Large solar farm proposed for fields around Cambridgeshire villages

Cait Findlay

17 November 2024 at 8:45 am·2-min read

A large solar farm is proposed for Cambridgeshire (stock image) — -Credit: (Image: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire)

A large solar farm has been proposed for agricultural land around Cambridgeshire villages. Kingsway Solar Farm would cover 1,500 hectares in size if built to current proposals – equivalent to more than 2,000 football pitches.

The solar farm and battery storage project is proposed for land around Cambridgeshire villages: Balsham, West Wratting, Weston Colville, and Weston Green. Downing Renewable Developments, the company behind the proposals, has said the solar farm could provide power for around 175,000 homes.

The company said the project is needed to provide cleaner of sources of energy to help the government meet its commitment of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. "The energy transition will see older forms of generation, such as fossil fuel power stations, phased out and there is an urgent need for cleaner forms of generation to replace them," it said.

A first consultation on the plans opened on October 31 and will run until 11.59pm on December 12. You can find out more and take part in the consultation at the Kingsway Solar Farm website here.

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: "Kingsway Solar Farm Limited is proposing a Development Consent Order (DCO) to install solar photovoltaic panels and battery storage technology in the district of South Cambridgeshire, as well as associated infrastructure which will connect to the national grid. The proposals will be determined by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero."

As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), an application for Kingsway Solar Farm will be made to the Secretary of State. Local authorities will not accept or examine the application but are identified as 'host' authorities in the NSIP process.

Cambridgeshire County Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council are currently 'host' authorities in the NSIP project. East Cambridgeshire District Council may also be a host authority, depending on the final design.

What do you make of the proposals? Get in touch with our reporter via email: cait.findlay@reachplc.com.

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