A proposed 25-hectare (62-acre) solar farm could spell “serious trouble” for parachutists if the government allows it to be built near an airfield, a councillor said.
Steve McAdam, an independent member on Huntingdonshire District Council, said plans to install 40,000 panels close to Haddon, near Peterborough, could prove hazardous to users at nearby Sibson Aerodrome.”this is a very serious issue,” he told the BBC. “Parachutists need to be able to see where they are landing and have a clear space. A solar farm of this size would create a huge glare and a potential obstruction.”
Wessex Solar Energy,the company behind the plans,said it had carried out a “thorough assessment” and was confident the farm would not impact aviation safety.
Though, Mr McAdam said the assessment did not take into account the unique challenges faced by parachutists.
“They’ve looked at the impact on planes taking off and landing, but they haven’t considered the impact on people descending at 150mph with a parachute,” he said.
The council is due to make a decision on the plans next month. Mr McAdam urged the government to call in the submission for review.
“This isn’t just about protecting a local airfield, it’s about protecting the safety of people who enjoy a popular sport,” he said.
The British Parachute Association has also raised concerns about the plans. A spokesperson said: “We are worried about the potential for glare and obstruction, which could make parachuting more perilous.”
Solar Farm Plans Resubmitted in Cambridgeshire After Initial Rejection
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Plans for a solar farm in Cambridgeshire have been resubmitted after an initial proposal was rejected due to concerns about aviation safety. Wessex Solar Energy is seeking approval for a solar farm expected to power approximately 7,600 homes,addressing previous concerns raised by the Planning Inspectorate.
Initial Proposal and Rejection
In November, the Planning Inspectorate Revised Plans Address Aviation Concerns