Public hearings have begun into plans for a major 500-megawatt solar farm near Long Stratton in south Norfolk this week.
Public hearings are under way into plans for a major solar farm near Long Stratton.
The East Pye Solar scheme would include large areas of ground-mounted solar panels alongside battery energy storage and infrastructure connecting the development to the national electricity network.
Developer East Pye Solar, part of Island Green Power, says the scheme could generate up to 500 megawatts of electricity – enough to supply the equivalent of around 115,000 homes annually.
The development would stretch across land near several south Norfolk communities, including Hempnall, Great Moulton and Saxlingham Nethergate.
Because of its size, East Pye is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning the final decision will be made by the government rather than the local planning authority.
The formal examination began at Dunston Hall on Tuesday 15 September.
Initial hearings are allowing residents, councils, campaigners and other interested parties to address the Examining Authority directly.
Technical sessions will also consider issues including how the site was selected, the scale of the development and the proposed Development Consent Order.
The examination can run for up to six months before a recommendation is submitted to the government for a final decision.
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