Walpole Marsh: Plans for solar farm rejected by council

It was said the solar farm at Walpole Marsh could have powered more than 10,000 homes

Plans for a solar farm and battery storage facility on the edge of west Norfolk have been rejected.

Local councillors voted against the proposals to build the plant at Walpole Marsh, agricultural land spanning Norfolk and Lincolnshire.

It was said the site could power more than 10,000 average-sized homes in England.

The Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk rejected the plans after objections from Walpole Parish Council.

The parish council raised fears about loss of land for food production and concerns about increased vehicle movement in the area's rural lanes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England had similar objections.

The application to transform the site, which is about the size of 108 football pitches, was submitted to both the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk and South Holland District Council in Lincolnshire.

But the Lincolnshire council delegated all decision-making to the Norfolk council while recommending it be approved.

'Benefit agriculture'

Simon Wheeler, speaking on behalf of the applicant Enzo Energy, said renewable energy was key to the fight against climate change and would "benefit agriculture and food production".

"No land will be lost as a result of this project," he said.

"At the end of its life not only will the land still be there it will be in far better condition than if current practices continue."

Mr Wheeler said a well-managed solar farm can benefit the soil quality and pollinators.

Councillors echoed concerns about the loss of agricultural land, including planning committee chairwoman Vivienne Spikings, who called for it to be rejected.

Independent councillor Terry Parish said solar panels should be on roofs and brownfield sites.