Huge solar farm to power 175,000 homes proposed for Cambridgeshire countryside

A proposal to create a massive solar farm that could generate energy for 175,000 homes has entered its first round of consultation.

Kingsway Solar would have the potential to supply around 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the National Grid, says applicant Downing Renewable Developments (DRD).

The proposed new solar farm and battery storage project would cover 1,500 hectares (3,706 acres) of land.

It is proposed for parcels of land near Balsham, West Wratting, Weston Colville and Weston Green.

A transmission connection to National Grid’s proposed new substation at Burwell South, to be located to the south of the existing substation at Burwell, would also be required.

Given the significant amount of electricity that is to be produced, the scheme is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

DRD say if it is approved it would make a significant contribution towards achieving the country’s ambition for net zero and providing greater energy security for the UK.

As an NSIP, Kingsway Solar will need a Development Consent Order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008 and go through an independent examination managed by the Planning Inspectorate.

David Vernon, head of NSIP projects for DRD, said: “We are excited to open our first stage of consultation on Kingsway Solar, inviting the public to learn more about this proposal for a nationally significant solar farm.

“There is an urgent need for clean, affordable and reliable energy sources to be developed in the UK that will support the transition to net zero.

“Consultation is an integral part of the development of all DRD’s projects, and with Kingsway Solar in the very early stages of design, local knowledge and local feedback is essential in helping us shape a project that addresses a significant national need, but with local impacts and concerns being considered, and wherever possible, addressed and mitigated.”

The predominant technology will be an overhead line with undergrounding where necessary.

DRD is a certified B-Corp with experience in owning and operating renewable energy, battery storage and other infrastructure.

The public consultation is open now and will run until 12 December and is an opportunity for people to share their views before a further, statutory consultation in 2025.

Four public information events are being held by DRD on:
Friday, 15 November, from 2-8pm, at Balsham Village Hall;
Saturday, 16 November, from 10am-2pm, at West Wratting Village Hall;
Monday, 25 November, from 2-8pm, at Great Wilbraham Memorial Hall; and
Monday, 2 December, from 6-7pm, via an online webinar, for which you can register at www.kingswaysolarfarm.co.uk.

Feedback on the proposals can also be emailed to enquiries@kingswaysolar.co.uk or at kingswaysolarfarm.co.uk.