Almost 100 people attend Meridian Solar Farm consultation in Sutton St Edmund

Almost 100 people went along to learn more about a large solar farm which is planned for this area.

Meridian Solar Farm Ltd is looking to develop a 750 MW facility on a 1,100 hectares of land around Sutton St Edmund, Crowland and Shepeau Stow.

A decision on whether the solar farm, along with its infrastructure, which includes a 12 to 13km overhead line to hook up the development to the proposed Weston Marsh Substation, will be made by a Government minister and not local planners.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Downing Renewable Developments, launched a public consultation on its proposals in April and held an event in Sutton St Edmund Village Hall on May 10.

A statement from the developers said: “This was the best-attended Meridian Solar public event to date, including those held during our stage one consultation between May and July 2024.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended on Saturday to find out more about our proposals, and would encourage people who were not able to attend to join us at one of our remaining events.

“We would like to hear the views of local people on our initial scheme design, which we are presenting as part of this stage two consultation. We are encouraging everyone to submit their feedback to us by 11.59pm on Sunday, June 8 when the consultation closes, to ensure all comments and suggestions can be considered.

“We will take time to consider and have regard to all the feedback received when making further refinements to our proposed design.”

Further sessions have been held this week in Crowland and Weston.

Local campaigners, Meridian Action Group (MAG) have called on people to have their say on the application before the consultation closes on June 8. You can air your views here.