The Sibson Aerodrome solar farm dispute is intensifying after councillors and aviation groups warned that a proposed renewable energy project could create safety hazards for parachutists and pilots.
Wessex Solar Energy has applied to build a 25-hectare (62-acre) solar farm near Haddon, just five miles north of Sibson Aerodrome. The plans involve installing 40,000 panels, capable of generating electricity for around 7,600 homes.
The site is close to Sibson Aerodrome, home to Peterborough Flying School and the UK Parachuting and Skydiving Centre. Concerns have been raised that the development could create risks for those carrying out emergency landings and parachute jumps.
Independent councillor Steve McAdam, a member of Huntingdonshire District Council and a former parachutist, told colleagues that landing in the middle of a solar farm would be “terrifying” and could result in serious injury. He explained that parachutists descend at about 15 feet per second and require open ground for safe landings.
East Anglia Gazette understands that the Peterborough Flying School has also submitted an objection, citing the possibility of glint and glare affecting pilots and the impact on emergency landings in cases of engine failure.
This latest application follows an earlier plan for 65,000 panels which was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate in November 2023. Inspectors concluded that the previous proposal had not sufficiently demonstrated that aviation safety would not be affected.
In its latest submission, Wessex Solar Energy said “full consideration” had been given to aviation safety and confirmed that glint and glare assessments had been carried out. The company added that the scheme would make “a significant contribution to the fight against the emission of greenhouse gases”.
Huntingdonshire District Council’s planning committee has voted unanimously to oppose the application. The final decision will now be taken by the Planning Inspectorate.
Sibson Aerodrome, also known as Peterborough/Sibson Airfield, is an unlicensed airfield located six miles west of Peterborough. It is used for flight training and skydiving, with UK Parachuting regularly operating jumps from a Cessna 208 aircraft.
The Sibson Aerodrome solar farm dispute therefore centres on whether the renewable energy benefits outweigh the aviation risks. The Planning Inspectorate is expected to issue a ruling after reviewing the objections and technical assessments.
