Great Blakenham solar farm plans to be discussed by council

The plans for building the farm in Great Blakenham have been proposed by Valencia Waste Management Ltd, which is one of the biggest landfill operators in the country. 

The proposed application will be built on the grounds of Masons Landfill, which is a 70-hectare site which has been operational since the 1990s and is situated 8 km northwest of Ipswich. 

The solar farm will supply power to the onsite materials recycling facility and the neighbouring materials recycling facility.

Valencia Waste Management had initially sent in a planning application in August 2022, but was met with objections. 

Electoral division councillor Chris Chambers and Great Blakenham Parish Council raised several objections to the planning officer, on the topics of the impact of the farm on wildlife, fauna, visuals, Biodiversity and lighting.

Previously, Suffolk MP Dan Poulter voiced his opposition to a similar solar farm proposal, arguing the development would change the character of the area at a "significant cost to residents and the environment".  

In its current stage, the application would restore the Mason Landfill, which as it stands is one of only two in Suffolk to have hazardous materials such asbestos. 

The officer believes the landfill will enable net gains to biodiversity to be delivered along with allowing the landfill to be restored to high environmental standards.

The officer further cited the National Planning Policy Framework which states that projects such as the solar farm should granted permission to approve the application if its impacts are acceptable. 

The plans will be further discussed by Suffolk County Council's development and regulation committee on Tuesday March 19.