People living in at least 24 properties in Hempnall, Saxlingham and Tasburgh have been told their ‘homes may be required’ by solar farm developers
Villagers in parts of Norfolk may be forced out of their homes to make way for a massive solar farm in what would be a UK first.
People living in at least 24 properties in Hempnall, Saxlingham and Tasburgh have been told their “homes may be required” by developers hoping to create what would be the biggest solar farm in the country.
Named East Pye Solar Project, the scheme aims to power 115,000 homes by covering 2,500 acres of farmland with panels – the equivalent to 1,762 football pitches.
Residents say they have been hounded by the company through repeatedly receiving letters asking for intimate personal details about their finances and mortgage status.
If they are yet to respond, Dalcour Maclaren, the agent acting on behalf of the developer, has been calling residents on their mobile phones.
It has sparked fury among those living in the communities, many of whom have been fiercely opposing the project through 100-strong protest marches and hundreds of objections being sent to South Norfolk Council.
Yvonne Day, 89, who has lived in Hempnall since 1973, has received three letters over the last three months and an unwanted phone call.
The great-grandmother of six says she is already doing her bit by driving an electric car and installing solar panels on her home but this would be a sacrifice too far.
She told SWNS: “They’ll get my property over my dead body. It would be dreadful.
“They were asking about my finances and my mortgage. It is quite impertinent.
“I wasn’t very pleased when they rang me at the seaside and I told them what they’re planning to do isn’t very nice at all.
“I don’t know how they got my number.
“Where I walk and where I live is going to be surrounded by solar panels the height of a house.
“I understand we are in dire straits and we need to do something about global warming. But where is the food going to come from?”
Island Green Power, the developer behind the scheme, could use compulsory purchase powers to buy land and homes due to it being deemed a ‘nationally significant infrastructure project’.
It says the solar farm is “crucial” for the UK to meet its climate targets to triple solar power by 2030.
Farmers have received compulsory purchase orders for solar farms in the past but this is believed to be the first time in the UK that homeowners have also been approached.
Homes in villages between Long Stratton and Diss are believed to have received letters stating their land and/or property may be needed for the solar farm to be built.
Mr Eagle, who has lived in Hempnall for 27 years, has described Island Green Power’s actions as “unreasonable”.
He said: “At first I was surprised to receive the letter because I didn’t realise such detailed information would be needed at this stage.
“I was disappointed because it wasn’t explained in what way my property was expected.
“I’ve had four letters and my wife has had some addressed to her – and an email so I’m not sure how they acquired that.
“I felt as if we were being chased for a reply and quite unreasonably.”
David Hook, chairman of Hempnall Parish Council (HPC), said the community is “extremely concerned” about the plans.
He said: “Their construction would result in the industrialisation of large areas of attractive, tranquil countryside with solar panels and security fences.
“CCTV cameras, access tracks and substations would cover huge numbers of fields and meadows.
“The loss of good quality agricultural arable land is also a major concern.”
Island Green Power has said land interest questionnaires are being used to “identify people and organisations that have a legal interest in land or property that may potentially be impacted by the scheme”.
The developer says it is following its statutory obligations as per the 2008 Planning Act.
“It is routine for helping to identify those with legal interest in the land,” it adds.
Ben Goldsborough, MP for South Norfolk, says he has had many villagers complain to him about the letters.
But so far, neither East Pye Solar, nor Dalcour Maclaren have responded to his concerns.
He said: “I understand residents’ concerns regarding the latest reports, and I have written to East Pye asking them to provide clarity for residents.
“I am awaiting a response. In the meantime, I will continue to share constituents’ concerns with the developers and I would encourage any constituent wanting support on this issue to contact my office.”
SOLAR FARM BACKLASH
While many people support the push for more green energy, the prospect of swathes of Norfolk’s countryside being covered in solar farms is causing significant concern.
Norfolk’s solar stock is set to increase by 17,000 acres under proposals for five huge solar farms across the county – equivalent to almost 10,000 football pitches.
MPs have warned Norfolk is receiving “more than its fair share” of solar farms, which could make the county one of the biggest producers of solar energy in the UK.
The biggest of these would be in Gissing, where a site estimated at 5,000 acres is proposed.
There are also plans for High Grove, a 4,000-acre scheme near Dereham and Swaffham, the Droves, spanning 2,800 acres on an adjoining site.
