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What Mega Solar means for Norfolk
Understanding the impact of large-scale solar proposals
“Mega solar” refers to industrial-scale, ground-mounted solar developments that typically generate over 50 megawatts (MW) of power, the threshold for classification as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).
These schemes can cover thousands of acres of farmland, often enclosed by security fencing, lined with access tracks and dotted with battery storage facilities (BESS units).
In Norfolk, there are currently four NSIP solar proposals and numerous smaller schemes across the county, collectively covering tens of thousands of acres.
If approved, they would result in one of the largest concentrations of solar development anywhere in the UK.
Impacts at a glance
Loss of productive farmland
Much of the targeted land is high-grade “Best and Most Versatile” (BMV) agricultural soil essential for food production.
Landscape transformation
Rural views and open skies replaced by metal fencing, CCTV, inverter cabins and panels up to 4.5 metres high.
Wildlife disruption
Industrial fencing fragments habitats and restricts species movement.
Community impacts
Noise, construction traffic, and loss of rural character near homes and villages.
Cumulative effect
Overlapping schemes threaten to industrialise large areas of South and West Norfolk.
CPRE Norfolk believes that renewable energy should not come at the expense of the countryside.
Norfolk already contributes significantly through onshore and offshore wind, yet is being targeted disproportionately for solar due to its flat land and existing grid infrastructure.
An illustration of how the East Pye mega solar development would impact the Norfolk countryside
A large number of people use the public footpaths that cross these fields and meadows adjacent to the Saxlingham Green Conservation area.
The video shows only a few of the 99 large fields and meadows that would be industrialised and the landscape ruined by the proposed scheme.
Keep reading
Next page –> Why Mega Solar? Why Now?
Or jump to…
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Welcome to the Getting Solar OFF the Land exhibition
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Who we are – the countryside charity for Norfolk
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Why Mega Solar? Why Now?
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The scale of the threat
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Impact on Norfolk – farming and food security
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Impact on Norfolk – communities and homes
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Impact on Norfolk – landscapes and tranquillity
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Impact on Norfolk – wildlife and biodiversity
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Impact on Norfolk – tourism & the local economy
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Impact on Norfolk – Public Rights of Way
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Renewables Done Well – the smarter, fairer way to achieve Net Zero
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Community Action – Standing together for Norfolk’s countryside
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Leading the fight – our research, policies and public engagement
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What you can do – be part of the solution
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What CPRE Norfolk asks for
This page is based on the exhibition board “What Mega Solar Means for Norfolk” from CPRE Norfolk’s Getting Solar OFF the Land Exhibition (2025).
Sources:
CPRE Norfolk, 2025 – Mapping of Norfolk NSIP Solar Proposals
SolarQ Research Report, 2024 – “Getting Solar Off the Ground.”
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