Great Blakenham solar farm plan unanimously approved

Suffolk County Council's Development and Regulation Committee met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss plans for a solar farm at Masons Landfill in Great Blakenham, near Ipswich. 

Applicant Valencia Waste Management Ltd, one of the biggest landfill operators in the country, said the farm would supply power to the onsite materials recycling facility and the neighbouring materials recycling facility.

Plans for a solar farm at Masons Landfill in Great Blakenham, near Ipswich, were discussed (Image: Archant)

During the meeting on Tuesday a representative for applicant said: "The importance of development of this nature cannot be underestimated.

"Restored landfill is of a little value benefitting from an existing grid connection with capacity. It is therefore an application that represents an ideal opportunity for the development of solar panels." 

The council had received objections from cllr Chris Chambers, who represents Gipping Valley, as well as from Great Blakenham Parish Council.

These included concerns on the impact on wildlife and fauna, visual impact and lighting. 

However, the plans had been recommended for approval by council planning officers. 

On Tuesday, Cllr Lance Stanbury, for Mildenhall and whom has been involved heavily in campaigns against the Sunnica solar farm plans, said this plan was of a far better size and location. 

Cllr Lance Stanbury (Image: SCC)

"I am for solar and, as I have said in these campaigns, I am against living in a solar farm," he said.

"This is significantly and sufficiently away from local people and really I couldn't think of a better location for it so I would be minded to approve this."

He proposed the plans should be approved and this was seconded by Cllr Heike Sowa, for Haverhill Cangle.  

The council voted unanimously in favour of approving the application.