Proposed Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire solar farm divides opinion
February 4, 2026
Proposed cross-border solar farm divides opinion
BBCA proposed solar farm could “carve a permanent scar across the landscape”, those objecting to the plans have said.
East Park Energy solar park could be built on the Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire border near St Neots, spanning 776 hectares (about 1,900 acres) – an area larger than 1,000 football pitches.
A consultation on the proposal received 1,300 responses, with supporters stating that “solar is clean, abundant and a renewable energy source” and would help meet the growing local demand for energy.
A spokesperson for the developer said the project would generate enough electricity to supply 108,000 homes.
It is proposed for four sites to the north-west of St Neots near Pertenhall, Little Staughton and Great Staughton.
During the consultation, some objectors said the solar farm would damage the countryside, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
One said it would be a “huge unsightly blot” on the countryside.
But supporting comments included the need to “move towards a green economy… with solar being key”.
A spokesperson for East Park Energy said the solar farm would help boost the UK’s energy securit” by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels from overseas, while also helping to decarbonise the electricity system.
They said they would continue to engage with people about the plan and seek to address some of the concerns raised in the objections.
The proposal is considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, which means a final decision on whether it can be built will be made by the government after it has been assessed by the Planning Inspectorate.
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