Park Farm Solar Park
The Park Farm Effect
The amount of renewable energy (in MWhrs) annually
*Please note that calculations may be adjusted to ensure maximum accuracy
Park Farm Solar Park
British Solar Renewables (BSR Energy) was granted planning permission for Park Farm Solar Park by East Suffolk Council in May 2024. The consent was subsequently quashed. Additional planning application documentation including preparation of a Built Heritage Statement and updates to reports submitted with the planning application in 2021 has been undertaken. The revised planning application documents are due to be submitted to East Suffolk Council in Q1 2025. The 26.39-hectare site is located approximately 1.5km south east of the centre of Wickham Market, and to the eastern aspect of the A12 dual carriageway. The proposals represent an opportunity to boost green energy generation in East Suffolk.
In June 2019, East Suffolk Council declared a Climate Emergency in recognition of the need to take urgent action in respect of climate change. As part of this declaration, East Suffolk Council’s aim is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. In addition to this, the Government has made a legal commitment to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 which will require a rapid and expanded deployment of low carbon power, including solar.
BSR Energy is passionate about playing its part to help the UK make the change towards renewable sources. We have all seen first-hand this summer the impacts that climate change is having, from the hottest day on record being recorded, to official drought declarations. The time to take action and mitigate against any further damage to our planet is now.
The solar scheme has a design capacity of 21MW and will generate an estimated 19,950 MWh of clean, renewable and sustainable electricity per year. This is the equivalent to the annual electrical needs of approx. 5,251 family homes. The anticipated CO2 displacement is around 4,651 tonnes per annum.
Stat References
Based on an annual average domestic consumption per household (Great Britain) of 3,799 kWh. Source BEIS, Regional and Local authority electricity consumption statics 2018.
Based on 'Emissions associated with the generation of electricity at a power station (Electricity generation factors do not include transmission and distribution). Source BEIS, Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2020.
FAQs
Who are British Solar Renewables?
British Solar Renewables (BSR) is a leading renewable energy developer and provider of expert services to the renewable energy industry. We are dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards renewable energy sources. The company was founded in 2010 and has grown into one of the largest integrated developers of utility-scale solar and storage in the UK with over 700MWp successfully developed and built to date. BSR develop, build, own and operate our projects so we will be involved throughout the lifetime of the project, up to and including decommissioning.
What is the community benefit fund?
As part of our proposal, we will create a fund that would hold up to £21,000 which would directly support local projects and benefit the local community. We are keen to hear local thoughts on how the fund could be spent. This is to ensure that the funds are spread across important local projects by those actively involved in the community.
Will there be a visual impact to The River Deben Valley?
The design of the site will prioritise minimising its visibility from surrounding areas. The panels will be situated at a relatively low height, ensuring that a significant portion of the site remains hidden from view in areas.
To further address any potential visual impact, a comprehensive Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be conducted, considering the overall visual effects. Mitigation measures will be implemented to enhance screening and reduce visibility from local roads and villages.
It is noted that the majority of the site falls within the River Deben Valley Landscape Character Area. A field of solar panels closest to the River Deben was removed from the proposed development post-submission of the application based on advice received from the Case Officer relating to flood risk and proximity to the Public Right of Way near the River Deben. There will also be re-establishment of native hedge planting along a proportion of the northern boundary that will further reduce the view of the site.
How will the site be screened?
Mitigation measures will be implemented to enhance screening and reduce visibility from local roads and villages. These measures will include additional screening planting and improving the existing hedgerows throughout the site, further improving the overall visual integration of the project with its surroundings.
How will the site be accessed?
Access is via A12 / B1438 / Loudham Hall Road along the southern boundary of the site. During construction, all the HGV’s can be tracked using GPS technology to monitor their movements and enforce the route agreed with the Council.
Will roads be damaged by construction vehicles?
Proper load management practices will be followed and there is no reason to expect roads will be damaged by construction vehicles.
Will roads be shut during the construction phase?
No, the roads will not be shut during the construction phase. A Construction Traffic Management Plan will be prepared that will set out how the construction traffic will be managed. This will set out all traffic management measures that may be required on site.
What time of the day will construction take place?
A Transport Assessment will be carried out, which fully considers the local network capacity and safety. The site will be managed by a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), which will include appropriate measures such as a HGV booking system and restrictions on times when traffic can arrive on site to avoid impacts on the local network, such as by avoiding rush hour or peak school times. Requirements will also be informed by engagement with the Local Highways Authority and feedback from local people during the public engagement phase. The construction period will last approximately 6 months.
Will the solar site be noisy?
No, solar panels have no moving parts and emit no sound. Inverters and transformers can emit noise, although this is associated with operational HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) which only operates within certain parameters. The solar inverter-transformer units themselves only have noise potential during daylight hours and, because they are dispersed across a large area the noise, doesn’t become a concentrated source. The inverters have been situated within the solar panels, rather than around the edge of site to minimise noise.
A noise impact assessment has been undertaken which includes a baseline noise survey to determine the current noise levels experienced on site and sets out the mitigation measures that will be included to reduce noise during the construction and operational phases.
Mitigation measures for the construction phase include:
- ensuring all vehicles and mechanical plant used for the purpose of work will be fitted with effective exhaust silencers and maintained in good working order to minimise noise
- ensuring vehicles on-site do not have their engines idling whilst stationary and toolbox talks will be given to all construction workers on site regarding methods to minimise noise.
Mitigation measures for the operational phase include:
- reduction of the number of inverters from 21 to 10 and relocation of the inverters that were closest to Sandpit House and the Lodge to increase the distance between the noise generating equipment and the residential receptors. There will also be localised barriers around 4 inverters in the southern half of the site.
Whilst there will be some noise generated during both the construction and operational phases of the development, the report concluded that both phases would remain in line with the relevant noise standards and guidance for construction and operational noise.
What will the impact be on wildlife?
The solar park provides the opportunity to keep the land pesticide and chemical free, allowing species to thrive and soil quality to improve. Hedgerows provide a species rich environment and taking the fields out of arable rotation will allow considerable biodiversity net gain over the lifetime of the solar park. Additional hedgerow planting would be provided, and gaps filled along some of the existing boundary to maximise biodiversity. Bat boxes, bird boxes, log piles and wildflower meadow creation can all be added within the site and along boundaries. In the west of the site there will be an area of land retained with no panels where an area of scrub with grassland habitat will be created.