Consultation launched on updated plans for East Pye Solar

Island Green Power has launched a second phase of consultation on its plans for East Pye Solar – a utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project proposed on land near Long Stratton in South Norfolk.

Starting today, June 18 2025, the consultation will run for seven weeks before closing on 6 August 6.

During this time, the developer is inviting feedback from local communities near the site, as well as those from the wider area, for their views on the updated proposals.

This second phase of consultation follows an initial consultation held in October to December last year.

During the first phase, Island Green Power presented its preliminary study area for the proposed solar development, alongside broad corridors in which an underground cable could be routed to connect the solar PV panels to the national grid via a new National Grid substation and the existing 400kV overhead line that runs north – south between Norwich Main and Bramford substations.

The plans now being consulted on have been informed by the findings from extensive environmental studies as well as feedback received during the first consultation.

Samantha Jones, project development manager at Island Green Power explained:

“Following our initial consultation and as part of our ongoing commitment to sensitive design and responding to people’s feedback, we have refined our proposals in several ways. For example, we have reallocated some areas from solar development to be used for mitigation and enhancement, and we have reduced the Cable Route Corridor from the one presented at Phase One consultation.

Our latest proposals include plans for green corridors, planting to strengthen existing hedgerows, and buffer zones between the Scheme and residential properties. We have also created buffers and offsets from ecologically sensitive locations, watercourses, public rights of way, woodland and listed buildings. Furthermore, we have excluded solar PV development on some sites in their entirety, and in parts of others, to facilitate ecological enhancements that are compatible with on-going use of agricultural land.”

“We are grateful to everyone who has shared their views and contributed to helping shape the Scheme so far. Projects like East Pye Solar are vital to enabling the transition from fossil fuel to low carbon energy, and we’re committed to delivering a scheme that makes a meaningful contribution to both local and national energy needs. I would encourage people to find out more about how our proposals have evolved and come along to the events we are holding to speak with myself and the wider team.”

Full details of the updated proposals being consulted on, including maps and plans, as well as details of the consultation events taking place can be found on the Scheme’s website at: www.eastpyesolar.co.uk.

For further information please contact the Community Relations Team on:

Freephone: 0808 281 3175

Email: info@eastpyesolar.co.uk

Anyone wishing to receive updates about the Scheme and the consultation are encouraged to register their details on the Scheme website