EDF Renewables is planning to develop a 49.9MW solar farm – Cadenham – to the west of the A14 Newmarket bypass, and south east of the villages of Swaffham Prior and Swaffham Bulbeck, which will be capable of generating enough low carbon electricity for the domestic needs of 9,500 households annually.
A number of ecological and feasibility surveys have been carried out and the company is consulting with local people at an early stage about the proposal to get their views ahead of submitting a planning application later this year.
Among growing concern about climate change, the 49.9MW project at Cadenham could contribute to saving around 21,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The project will also deliver significant additional local benefits, including a community fund of £10,000 paid annually for the 40-year lifetime of the project.
There are a range of ecological and landscape enhancements that would be delivered as part of the development which will result in biodiversity improvements, and these plans include planting new hedgerows and trees.
Residents near to the site are being contacted by post and members of the public are encouraged to visit EDF Renewables’ Cadenham website for further information, to register for live online events and to provide feedback. The public consultation closes on 19 July 2021 and EDF Renewables intends to submit a planning application to East Cambridgeshire District Council later this year.
For more information please visit EDF Renewables’ website.