Greybarn online community hall now open

• Hosted at the project website, the online community hall has more detailed information about the solar farm, including information boards, videos, a feature map and a link to an online survey.
• Under normal circumstances Statkraft would host a resident information day about the project in the local community. Because of COVID 19 restrictions we can’t do this face to face at the moment so the information is being provided online so that people can read and download it at home.    
• Residents and community representatives living near to the site have now been sent information about the proposal and advised how they can give feedback, if they would like to do so.

Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, is evaluating land to the south of Tye Lane, near Bramford, Mid Suffolk for the development of a new solar energy farm – Greybarn solar energy farm.

As part of the pre-application consultation process, Statkraft have opened an online community hall for the project. Under normal circumstances Statkraft would host a resident information day about the project in the local community. Because of COVID 19 restrictions we can’t do this face to face at the moment so the information is being provided online so that people can read and download it at home.

Chris Banks, UK Business Development Manager says: “We want the local community to be involved in the process leading up to any planning application being submitted and are asking for feedback and views. We have an online community hall where we can share the project information. We hope people can easily find their way around and send us their feedback and views”.

He adds, “Any feedback should be submitted to us during March and April 2021, so that it can be included in the pre-application analysis and help inform the final plans. For anyone without internet access, who would like to see the plans, please contact us and we can arrange for copies to be sent via post”.

Subject to planning approval, the solar energy farm has the potential to create local jobs and supply contracts during the construction, operation and maintenance phase of the build, and make a significant contribution to local business rates. The community hall has a link to a survey where local suppliers and contractors can register their interest in being involved with the project.

In addition, Statkraft solar farms include many features to enhance local plant, animal and insect populations, including new or restored hedgerows, wildflower planting, bird and bat boxes and habitat for bumblebees; making this a great opportunity for local wildlife.

With a project of up to 41.5MWp proposed, the 49 hectare site would generate approximately 42 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, enough to power nearly 12,000 homes via an array of solar panels mounted on the ground. Statkraft also propose to install a 55MW battery at the site which can store the electricity from the solar panels, for use later on, as well as be used to provide support services to the National Grid.