A man’s plan to build a small solar farm in his back garden has raised concerns over potential visual and environmental impacts.
Simon Platten has applied to Broadland District Council for permission to install 60 ground-mounted solar panels at the rear of his property on Station Road in Cantley, a village between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.
The proposed site, located at the bottom of his garden, spans over 12m wide and 30m long.
However, a nearby resident on Station Road has raised objections to the project, citing worries about the panels' visual impact.
The neighbour expressed concerns that the solar array could detract from the enjoyment of their garden and potentially create issues with glare and reflectivity.
"The documentation does not contain clear information about the heights and angles of the array," the resident said.
"It would be good to understand this to assess the impact from the bottom of our garden, in terms of reflectivity, glare, and whether these would appear overbearing."
Despite these concerns, the neighbour did not oppose the principle of the application, acknowledging that it was a positive step towards energy self-sufficiency.
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Cantley Parish Council also supported the application in principle but echoed the neighbour’s request for more details on the size, scale, and orientation of the panels, and a thorough assessment of any potential glare affecting neighbouring properties.
Eleanor Laming, district councillor for Brundall ward, has backed the proposal, calling it an "innovative development" essential for addressing the climate crisis and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
She did, however, seek reassurance that the installation would not affect surface water drainage in the area.
The council is expected to make a decision by the end of the month.
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