Plan proposed to build solar farm near substation

Plans for a new solar farm close to a substation have emerged

A "nationally significant" solar farm could potentially be built alongside a planned substation in a county.

BL Solar 12 (Helios Energy Park) Ltd has proposed constructing a 250 megawatt solar farm and battery site near Friston, Suffolk, which will be decided upon by the government.

According to the company's application it would be built in the vicinity of a substation due to be constructed as part of National Grid's Sea Link project and offshore windfarms by ScottishPower.

Suffolk County Council said it would be a "nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIP)" and "difficult news" for people living in the area.

The government gave planning permission for the substation in 2022.

If Scottish Power does not build the site, it will fall to National Grid as it works through the planning process for Sea Link.

Plans for the solar farm were revealed within documents for the Sea Link project.

The documents added Helios was looking to work with the National Grid on the Sea Link project and help it "realise its own ambitions for the wider Suffolk geography".

Plans for the solar farm are in early stages and the applicant has yet to finalise details.

Helios said a "draft statement of common ground" was being worked on between itself and Sea Link.

Richard Rout from Suffolk County Council said parties involved must work together to protect communities and the environment

Suffolk County Council said it would carefully consider the "potential cumulative implications" of the solar farm on the local community and environment.

Richard Rout, the cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIP on the authority, said the council would "object to plans where justified".

"We knew that National Grid's official register of connection offers had indicated the Helios proposal, but that potential now feels more real," he said.

"National Grid's customers must not damage or weaken the mitigation planting in the consented scheme," he added.

A Helios Energy Park spokesperson said: "Our plans for a new solar project with battery storage near Friston, East Suffolk will help to meet growing demand for sustainable power while improving the resilience and capacity of the national grid.

"We are working with other developers in the area, including Sea Link, to ensure we co-ordinate all development activities including mitigation measures.

"We are looking forward to engaging comprehensively with the community around Friston and east Suffolk once we have draft plans to present."