A large solar farm proposed for Norfolk, England, has raised concerns for Dawn Chrystal, whose late father, Derek Jessett, was unable to install solar panels on his property. The East Pye solar scheme, planned to cover 2,718 acres across ten sites, includes a section just 50 feet from Jessett's cottage, Pisces.
Jessett lived in the cottage, located in a conservation area in Saxlingham Green, for 54 years. He had expressed interest in environmentally friendly energy sources but was reportedly told he could not install solar panels on his roof. His daughter, Chrystal, discovered the solar farm proposal after his death in April at age 88 while preparing to sell the property, estimated to be worth £425,000.
Chrystal fears the proximity of the solar farm, with panels reaching 14 feet high, will blight the property's views and significantly decrease its value, potentially making it difficult to sell for years. The road in front of the cottage is also designated as a route for the developer, Island Green Power, to transport heavy machinery and parts.
The East Pye solar farm aims to generate approximately 500MW of power. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028 and conclude within two years, with full operation expected by 2031. The project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning the final decision rests with the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, rather than local authorities.
South Norfolk Council, which designated the area as a conservation zone in 2018, has expressed opposition to the East Pye scheme due to its impact on agricultural land. A council spokesperson noted that while local authorities can protect conservation areas from certain developments, the decision for large-scale projects like this solar farm is made at a national level. The council also indicated that Norfolk is a target for multiple large solar projects, alongside proposed battery storage facilities and high-voltage pylons.
Nearly 2,000 objections have been submitted regarding the plan. Chrystal and her siblings learned of the proposal only recently through a neighbor, as official notices were posted in a village a mile away. The family was reportedly unaware of the development until then. Island Green Power stated that there are no intentions to compulsorily purchase homes or gardens and that a 'Book of Reference' has been created to inform affected individuals and provide opportunities for feedback during the planning process.
The cottage itself, with parts dating back approximately 500 years, was originally two dwellings. The exact reason Jessett was denied permission to install solar panels on his roof remains unclear, though structural limitations due to its age are a possibility. The broader context includes a £16 billion National Grid scheme to upgrade energy infrastructure, which involves extensive new power lines, including a 112-mile route from Norwich to Tilbury.