EDP letter – N&N solar panels should be over car parks, not farmland

CPRE Norfolk’s Chair, Chris Dady’s letter published in the EDP questions why the Norfolk & Norwich hospital are planning to build an array of solar panels on agricultural land some distance away when onsite options are a much better option.

Norfolk’s largest hospital want to join the solar revolution by building a large solar installation at the edge of a village one-and-a-half miles away.

While we applaud the hospital’s efforts in generating their own green energy, better options are available which do not sacrifice prime food-producing farmland.

The hospital already has large open car parks and unused roof space which would keep energy generation onsite, removing the need for energy transportation.

Covering the car parks in solar panels would have the additional benefit of shading parked vehicles in our increasingly hot summers.

Surely this option should be the first step in the path the Net Zero!

CPRE Norfolk’s policy

CPRE Norfolk calls for a national Land Use Framework that directs renewables to the right places, ensuring we meet Net Zero targets without sacrificing our most valuable rural assets.

Renewable energy is essential, but it must be planned and delivered in a way that protects both climate and countryside.

As detailed in our Getting Solar off the Land campaign, research from the UCL Energy Institute, demonstrates that the UK can exceed its solar generation targets without building on farmland.

Renewables done well

What “done well” looks like

Rooftop revolution
Research shows that solar on commercial roofs, homes, and car parks could provide more capacity than all proposed ground-mounted schemes combined.

Brownfield first
Prioritising derelict land, old airfields, and industrial estates protects farmland and biodiversity.

Smart integration
Solar should be combined with battery storage in existing built environments, not new rural compounds.

Local benefit
Community-owned schemes keep revenue in the local economy and strengthen public support for renewables.

Explore more

Visit our Getting Solar Off the Land exhibition

Chris Dady’s letter published in the EDP (Eastern Daily Press) on 7th October 2026.