Consultation on plans for new solar farm

The consultation will be held on 10 September at St Martin's Public Hall.

People living in a parish in Jersey have been asked to give their views on plans for a new solar farm.

Jersey Electricity and the Crown have proposed to build the solar panels on Crown Land, in hopes it would provide electricity to 40% of parish homes.

The company said the land would be used for both farming and energy generation.

A consultation is being held on 10 September at St Martin's Public Hall.

JE said it would allow the public to view the plans for the farm, which would cover 45 vergees (11.25 acres) of the 90 vergees (22.5 acres) Belle Fontaine site.

Different solar technologies will be used across the site to support agricultural activities from growing crops to livestock grazing.

The Crown and JE have collaborated with Harper Adams, a UK food production and agriculture technology company, to discuss plans for the site.

Receiver General, Alan Blair, said the site was "seeking innovation in agriculture alongside renewable energy generation".

"What we aim to achieve here aligns with His Majesty King Charles' long-held views on sustainable farming and energy," he said.

Chris Ambler, JE's CEO, said it would offer a "unique opportunity to enhance Jersey's energy sovereignty while exploring and innovating in local food production".