St Mary solar farm application withdrawn

Thursday, 27 February 2025 10:31

Jersey Electricity has temporarily withdrawn its application for a solar farm on fields in St Mary.

A public consultation raised concerns about the proposed use of Jersey countryside for the array.

The installation would have covered 22 acres of local agricultural land. This became a point of contention for parishioners St Mary.

An objection regularly cited was the use and destruction of green spaces. Objectors state "We should not be sacrificing green agricultural land which is in limited supply", with others commenting that is is 'lazy' and 'shortsighted" and that it will be a 'regrettable eyesore'.

Jersey Electricity said the facility would house 10,000 photovoltaic panels, generating power for almost 1,200 homes, but several objections were raised.

The proposed plans for the solar farm in St Mary (Credit: Jersey Electricity)

A statement from Jersey Electricity reads:

"Jersey Electricity (JE) has taken the decision to temporarily withdraw the Planning Application for the proposed solar farm at Champs Verts, St Mary.

Having been made aware of comments provided by the statutory consultee in recent days, which were provided late in the application process, JE does not have sufficient time to provide a comprehensive response.

Jersey electricity fully intend to resubmit the application in due course."