09/05/2026
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE. DEVELOPMENT!
Many residents will now be aware of the emerging proposals by Castle Way Energy for a very large-scale solar farm development across a significant area of South Derbyshire and the surrounding countryside.
Given the scale of the proposal (up to 300MW), this would be classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), meaning the final decision would ultimately be taken at national level by the Secretary of State.
As your District Ward Member, I want to make sure residents are aware of these proposals and have the opportunity to examine them carefully.
Whilst renewable energy is important and has a key role in reducing carbon emissions and strengthening energy security, the developments of this size and geographical spread raise serious questions that deserve proper scrutiny.
The sheer scale and widespread nature of this proposal could have a significant and lasting impact on our local environment, landscape and rural communities. Residents may wish to consider:
• The industrialisation of large areas of open countryside and the cumulative visual impact across the landscape
• The loss of substantial areas of agricultural land and what this means for local food production and rural land use
• The fragmentation of habitats and potential disturbance to local wildlife and biodiversity
• The impact on hedgerows, established ecosystems and natural corridors for wildlife
• Construction traffic, disruption to local roads and increased pressure on rural infrastructure
• Potential drainage and flood risk implications, particularly where land currently absorbs significant rainfall
• The impact of associated infrastructure such as substations, security fencing, CCTV, cabling and access tracks, which can extend far beyond the solar panels themselves
• Questions around land restoration and the long-term legacy of such a widespread development
It is important that all environmental claims, including biodiversity net gain and mitigation measures, are properly evidenced and independently scrutinised.
At this stage, I remain neutral and open-minded. My role is to listen to residents, understand the full detailS of the proposals and ensure that local concerns are properly represented.
I would strongly encourage everyone to review the consultation documents and have their say. Large infrastructure proposals like this can shape our communities and environment for decades, so it is important that residents engage early.
Further details at https://castlewayenergy.co.uk/
If you have views, concerns or questions, please do get in touch with me directly. [email protected]
