Mixed views on plans for huge new solar farm
There has been a host of comments from across Suffolk about plans to create a new solar farm between Ixworth, Bardwell and Stanton, close to the A143, on a huge area of 56 hectares of land (pictured above).
They range from people in favour of the scheme by Opdenergy to those who are vehemently against the complex.
Comments have also been made on the nextdoor.co.uk social media site.
Glenis Balaam said: “We should stop taking away our agricultural land to these large companies to make vast profits. Where are farmers going to grow food to feed the nation. Put solar panels on buildings not to let these fat cats get even more wealthier they are only in it for themselves.”
Paul Murray said: “This is excellent news. I hope it goes ahead soon.”
BOB Sellars said: “How many more good farm fields are we going to lose to these ugly panels. Once upon a time we could feed ourselves from the UK but now we import most of our food from abroad. The farmers must be laughing all the way to the bank, steady income don’t have to worry about the weather or lack of water.”
Lorraine Williams, from Needham Market, added: “If permission is granted, I really hope that the solar panels are raised in order that the massive area of land underneath can be saved and still be farmed rather than becoming barren.”
Jessica Fleming, from The Creetings, said: “Unfortunately this may go ahead; but we do not need solar panels on land. They are inefficient energy producers, occupy a lot of land and all require fossil fuel back up, they are not economical without substantial subsidies, change wildlife habitat replacing ground nesting birds, mammals and predators and alter drainage and micro flora. Panels and batteries are hazardous waste when spent. There are far better ways to generate reliable energy, mainly nuclear in its various forms and natural gas.”
And Jo Ann Bliss, from Elmswell, said: “It is possible to put them over car parks, over central reservations and bus stops etc .. would seem to make sense.”
While Paul Murray, from Stanton, said: “Excellent news. I hope it goes ahead quickly.”
The predicted green electricity generation would be enough to power up to 9,660 houses per year, and will save 1,498,000 tons of CO2 for over 35 years.
The plans for the development are to be considered by officials at West Suffolk Council in the coming weeks and has now gone out for public consultation at https://bardwellsolarfarm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bardwell-poster.pdf