A MONSTER solar farm generating enough energy to power 4,125 homes could be built in Canewdon.
Under plans submitted to Rochford Council, farmers Paul and Mark Woodford would lease the 50-acre stretch of farmland between Fambridge Road and Canewdon Road to solar panel company Solar Assets.
The deal would be for 25 years, and the solar farm could be generating renewable energy for the area as early as April next year.
Canewdon Parish Council has already voted overwhelmingly to support the plans for approval ahead of them going before Rochford councillors in January.
The three-metre-tall panels would be positioned at an angle facing the River Crouch and would have a wildflower meadow around it, with sheep keeping the grass short.
Paul Woodford said the scheme would be a clean way to generate energy for the surrounding villages, without leaving any trace once the lease was up.
He said: “We are quite excited because we reckon it should be able to produce all the electricity for homes in Canewdon, Fambridge, Ashingdon, Paglesham and quite a few other places.
“We’re putting in a two-acre nature area and there’s going to be wildflowers and hedges planted to stop the view of it, if people are worried about that.”
Resident Albert Taylor, 58, of Ethelbert Road, said: “I think it’s a great idea and I think there should be more like this – I don’t see any downside to it.
“I’m a big supporter of renewable energy and I hope, as these solar panels get cheaper, more farmers’ fields will be used.”
Some residents, however, don’t feel the location is appropriate.
Phil Shepherd, 51, of Ulverston Road, said: “I can’t see it doing anything other than devalue my property and it is in essence green belt land – regardless of whether it’s arable – which they are going to industrialise.”
Ian King, 57, of Pheasants Way, said: “I’m all for renewable energy, but I think they could have put somewhere more industrial.
“I feel most sorry for the people across the river, though, because I might be losing my view, but I’m only going to be looking at the back of them.
They’re going to see them from the front.
“I’m a builder and I’ve worked with solar panels before – they give off a lot of glare.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel