‘It’s still a huge application!’ Plans to convert 100 acres of agricultural land into a solar farm and Battery Energy Storage System at Sutton St James
A councillor is ready to listen to public concerns following an application to convert 100 acres of agricultural land into a solar farm and Battery Energy Storage System.
Integrum SPV 21004 want to change the use of land at Fendyke Farm at Sutton St James, the latest large solar farm proposed for the area.
Plans for the Meridian Solar Farm — which will include parcels of land across Cowbit, Whaplode Drove, and Holbeach Drove — and a 350-acre development at Sutton St Edmund have previously been submitted.
Cllr Laura Eldridge, who represents The Saints ward on South Holland District Council, recently called for The Fens to become a protected area in a bid to ensure the area doesn’t lose its agricultural and horticultural industries, adding the country shouldn’t be ‘held hostage’ by imported food.
“I have made my opinions known quite clearly to the applicant when I contacted them previously,” said Coun Eldridge, who attended the recent public consultation regarding the project.
“But obviously I’ve got to represent what residents want as far as this is concerned.
“As of yet I’ve had very little feedback. I’ve put it on social media to get feedback from residents and see what their thoughts are.
“Although it’s smaller than the other applications, it’s still a huge application covering 100 acres. I’ll listen to residents about any concerns.”
The project would export capacity of up to 20 Megawatts (MW) of renewable energy and 10 MW via the battery box, enough to meet the annual electricity demand of up to 12,015 homes.
“The site extends to 44.2 hectares and comprises primarily agricultural land,” the design and access statement prepared by agent Stantec explained.
“The development comprises the construction, operation, management and decommissioning of a solar farm and BESS with associated infrastructure to provide a reliable source of clean renewable energy.
“It has been agreed with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) that connection to the national electricity grid will be via the South Holland substation (on Jiggle’s Gate) approximately 2km north of the site.”
