Sunny outlook for solar farm project

The farm, which has received widespread backing this week, would be the UK’s first solar farm and provide energy for about 350 homes.

Speaking yesterday to the Luton News, Councillor Stay revealed he’s firmly behind the plans.

He said: “I think it would be a massive coup if Caddington were to lead the way on solar energy development. Having looked into the project, I can’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be beneficial to residents.

“I’ve always regarded Caddington as one of the sunniest parts of Bedfordshire and hopefully now we can take advantage of this.”

The proposed farm would be installed in a field at Millfield Farm and, at just two and a half metres tall, the panels would be hidden from view by surrounding hedgerows.

The project, which has yet to submit a planning application, was a topic of discussion on Monday’s BBC Three Counties Breakfast Show, when many Caddington residents expressed support for the farm.

One resident said: “I’m all for it so long as there aren’t any bad consequences and I haven’t heard any so far.”

Another added: ”If it’s out of sight it’s fine – so long as it’s not a blot on the landscape.”

The show’s host, Richard Lederman, also spoke to Cllr Stay and Juliet Davenport, the chief executive of a renewable energy supplier.

Highlighting the benefits of solar energy, Mrs Davenport said: “The farm would be a great source of renewable energy and wouldn’t impact on the environment.

“The panels are silent, don’t move around and sheep can still graze the grass beneath them.

“Economically, it means we’re investing within the UK and generating our own power instead of relying on the resources of other nations.”

The company behind the project, Caddington-based Emsrayne Limited, invited residents to a meeting last Monday where they could learn more about the proposal and offer feedback.

More than 75 residents attended what Emsrayne described as “a positive meeting” at Caddington Social Club, with many locals airing their views.

The company outlined its plans to provide solar panels for local schools and raised the possibility of setting up a community insulation fund – if finances permit.

Emsrayne resource manager Paul O’Hara said: “Emsrayne Limited wish to thank all of Caddington and Slip End residents who attended the public consultation Monday evening.

“We will take on board all of their comments and questions, which will prove very helpful in formulating a planning application with local people’s views addressed.”

Asked for their views on the proposal, a spokesperson for the Bedfordshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said: We cannot comment in any detail as we’ve not had the proposal explained to us.

“In principle and in the right circumstances, the CPRE encourages opportunities for renewable energy and might welcome a solar farm but each application must take into account the impact on the landscape and local heritage balanced against other relevant issues, such as the loss of farmland.”