Matt Hancock and Lucy Frazer set out opposition to proposed Sunnica solar farm
Lucy Frazer, MP for South East Cambridgeshire, and Matt Hancock, MP for West Suffolk, have set out their opposition to Sunnica’s planned solar farm on the Cambridgeshire/Suffolk border in its current form.
The facility is proposed to be located across the border of their parliamentary constituencies, near the villages of Isleham, Kennett, Chippenham, Snailwell, Worlington, Freckenham and Red Lodge. The proposed cable route will connect to the National Grid at Burwell.
At more than 2,700 acres, the proposed site is on an unprecedented scale on UK soil, far larger than other solar farms built or proposed. While the MPs and residents have shown firm commitment to solar energy in the area, the MPs’ joint letter to Sunnica sets out why the project goes too far.
They have responded jointly to Sunnica’s consultation process, which remains open for feedback until Friday, December 18, acknowledging the concerns residents have raised with them about the proposals and setting out their objections. This follows extensive consultation between the MPs and constituents through meetings, correspondence, and visits to the sites.
Ms Frazer said: “I am supportive of renewable energy and solar, and I’m proud of the contribution a number of solar farms in my constituency make in supporting the UK’s efforts to reach our net zero emissions target.
“However, I understand the concerns residents have about the size of the project, which would be far bigger than any other solar farm in the UK and would risk losing vast swathes of agricultural land and open countryside, enjoyed by residents and visitors to the area. I therefore oppose the proposals as set out by Sunnica in their statutory consultation.”
Commenting on the proposals, Mr Hancock added: “My constituents have already shown their support towards renewable energy, in particular solar, and are keen to explore what more they can do.
“However, I share their view that this project goes too far, and is not in keeping with the nature of the local area. Many of my constituents have concerns over safety, environment, and decommissioning, and I am not satisfied that these issues have been fully addressed. I therefore oppose Sunnica’s proposed project in its current form.”
In their letter to Sunnica, they say some parish councils have surveyed residents on the proposals. In Chippenham, 93 per cent of residents are in favour of energy from renewable sources but 92 per cent oppose the project in its current form. In Isleham, support for renewables is 92 per cent but opposition to the Sunnica scheme is running at 84 per cent.
Following a statutory consultation on their proposals, Sunnica will prepare and apply for a development consent order. Due to the scale of the proposals, a final decision will be taken by the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process.
In their letter, the MPs say: “We understand Sunnica will be submitting its plan to the Planning Inspectorate in Spring 2021. Ahead of this submission, we ask that Sunnica fully consider how their proposed project will impact on our constituents, particularly those who live in the immediate vicinity of the project, throughout construction, operation and decommissioning.
“We ask Sunnica to listen to our concerns about the proposed project’s scale; the loss of local countryside for agriculture, recreation and pleasure; the impact on biodiversity and wildlife; safety concerns; and decommissioning plans.
“We stand with out constituents in opposing the project in its current form but would welcome opportunities for Sunnica to engage in further dialogue with our constituents over meaningful change.”
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