he proposed solar farm will cover approximately 70 hectares of farmland near Letheringham.
The site is split across two plots of land, both of which are broadly rectangular in shape and relatively flat. The eastern plot has a slight incline from east to west.
There are public rights of way running through both plots.
The site does not form part of any statutory landscape designations, for example National Parks or National Landscape Areas. Both plots are relatively well screened by a combination of woodland, hedgerows and individual trees.
The site is in flood zone 1 (lowest risk).
There are a few listed buildings and scheduled monuments nearby, but none within the site itself.
The recent spikes in domestic energy prices affecting households across the country have encouraged the government to focus on a more independent UK energy strategy. Solar power is key to creating affordable and secure energy generation nationwide.
In addition, one of the government’s flagship goals is to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”; promising to lower energy bills, create jobs, and deliver secure, zero- carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating the move to net zero. As part of this mission, it has pledged to work with the private sector to triple the country’s solar capacity by the same date.
The River Deben solar farm will contribute to this by generating 49.9MW of clean energy: enough to power the equivalent of 15,150 homes. A 49.9MW battery will store excess energy to be used later in the day when demand is higher.
Megawatts (MW) of clean energy generated
Standard domestic households powered annually
Approx. hectares of land protected by the solar farm
We plan to install a 49.9MW solar array across approximately 70 hectares of land, requiring minimal groundworks. The panels will be mounted on frames, with the top edge of the panels being about three metres high.
In addition to the solar panels, the site will also include:
Access will be from Park Road, Sandy Lane and Framlingham Road.
The planning application will be determined by East Suffolk Council.
Ecological enhancements lie at the heart of the River Deben Solar proposal.
Ecological surveys are underway. Ecological enhancements (and mitigation where deemed necessary) will be implemented as part of the River Deben Solar proposal.
A minimum 10% biodiversity net gain will be delivered across the site, and this may involve the planting of trees, hedgerows and the installation of bird boxes.
Initial Feasibility studies
Technical surveys
Public engagement
Planning submission (this date is driven by the need to submit the planning application ahead of grid reform)
Construction