EDF Renewables has announced plans for an up-to-50 MW solar farm, Bloy’s Grove, between the villages of Swainsthorpe and Mulbarton, just south of Norwich.
A number of ecological and other feasibility surveys have been carried out and the company is now consulting with local people about the proposal ahead of submitting a planning application to South Norfolk District Council in the spring.
Online and postal community engagement is being carried out and members of the public are encouraged to visit EDF R’s Bloy’s Grove website for further information, to register for live online events and to provide feedback ahead of the close of public consultation on 11 January.
If planning permission is granted, a community fund of up to £10,000 will be paid annually, depending on the final size of the scheme, for the 35-year lifetime of the project.
EDF Renewables Director of Solar and Onshore Wind Development Mark Vyvyan-Robinson said: “This is an excellent site for a solar farm, which is suitably sunny and with a nearby grid connection.”
He added that the company has a number of solar projects planned in the UK.
As part of the project EDF R will improve biodiversity on site by, where appropriate, planting more hedgerows and trees, installing beehives, and setting land aside for grasses and wildflowers.
This environmental enhancement will be established in consultation with the council and maintained throughout the life of the solar farm.