Community Concerns About Solar Farms
A recent news item by Patrick Barkham (a natural history writer) highlighted how plans to install huge solar farms in Norfolk have outraged residents. For many who have chosen this quiet part of England as their home, the vast, open spaces they cherish are now under threat from the rapid expansion of solar farms – much like Kingsway Solar.
For one couple, who moved from an urban home to a countryside cottage, their rural dream is rapidly being overshadowed by the looming prospect of solar panels. “We wanted our kids to grow up here, surrounded by nature…But now we’re facing a future where our once-scenic views are replaced by giant solar fields. It feels like corporate interests are prioritizing profits over our countryside, our food production, and even our environment.”
Solar Farms vs Rural Landscapes
The solar farm in question, East Pye Solar, is a proposed 500 MW facility set to stretch across vast stretches of Norfolk’s landscape. This is one of many large-scale solar farms being planned as part of the UK’s ambitious decarbonization plan (including Kingsway Solar). But for many, these developments are not only an environmental concern—they are a challenge to their very way of life. The region, with its small fields, hedgerows, and historic homes, is more than just a pretty backdrop for green energy. It’s a living landscape that many feel should be preserved. For some, this development isn’t just an aesthetic issue—it’s about the loss of local control and autonomy over their own land.
Addressing Community Concerns About Solar Farm Planning
“We didn’t sign up for this,” says Annetta Berry, a former Londoner who moved to Norfolk for its peace and quiet. “We thought we were coming to a community that valued its environment. Now, we feel like we’re being steamrolled by corporate interests. It’s like we don’t have a voice anymore.”
And for many, this loss of local voice is the heart of the problem. Solar farms over 50 MW are now classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), a designation that allows them to bypass local planning authorities. Instead of decisions being made by the people who live in the community, they are decided by national inspectors and the government. This ignores community concerns about the solar farms.
Balancing Solar Farms and Community Needs
While developers argue that solar energy is essential for meeting the UK’s carbon goals, the scale and impact of these projects are felt to be disproportionate to the needs of the local community. Solar energy may be a low-cost, renewable resource, but why must it come at the expense of rural communities? Why not place solar panels on rooftops or on land that isn’t being used for farming, as suggested by the CPRE?
Some farmers are in favour of solar, citing the financial benefits. But for many locals, this doesn’t resolve the deeper issue: the sacrifice of food-producing land for energy production. Even as developers argue that solar panels will be placed on low-grade agricultural land, there’s a sense that the countryside is being altered without regard for its local needs.
Environmental Concerns Beyond Carbon Goals
The core issue remains the lack of local control. The question of who gets to decide how the countryside is used is at the forefront of the current debate. While the need for green energy is undeniable, the way in which these projects are being rolled out—without meaningful consultation or local input—has left many residents feeling disenfranchised.
A Timeline of the Kingsway Solar Project. Know when you can submit comments:
- Stage One Consultation: Closed
Initial public and stakeholder input stage is completed. - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Document:
- Deadline for Comments: 14 January 2025
Primarily for technical input from parish councils and local governments.
- Deadline for Comments: 14 January 2025
- Final Design Release: Summer 2025
Kingsway finalizes the design and announces dates for the statutory consultation phase. This should take into account information received during the Stage One Consultation. - Submission to Planning Inspectorate: Late Summer 2025
Official submission of plans to the Planning Inspectorate.- As well as local authorities and organisations such as the Environmental Authority, you can register as an interested party to input during the examination. In addition, prescribed consultees including landowners, local businesses, elected representatives, residents, communities etc. can submit comments
- Government Committee Recommendation: Early 2026
Committee issues its recommendation regarding the scheme. - Secretary of State Decision: Spring 2026
Final decision announced by the Secretary of State.
More information on the consultation process can be found on the Kingsway Solar Farm webpage or the Planning Inspectorate’s webpage for this project.
See more information on our website here.