Solar project at Mildenhall hub worth £1.3 million supported by West Suffolk Council leaders

A solar project worth £1.3 million has been given unanimous support by district leaders.

Members of West Suffolk’s cabinet met yesterday evening to discuss investing £1.3 million in a solar initiative at the Mildenhall hub.

The project was for canopy structures fitted with solar panels to be built at one of the hub’s car parks in a bid to save money and reduce emissions.

Cllr Gerald Kelly, who brought the proposals forward, said the project was an exciting way to meet the council’s objectives.

He added: “It’s something that has been done elsewhere and it’s up there with some of the biggest projects.

“The initiative is really to deliver a positive return on taxpayers’ investments which can then go back into other services.”

Officers estimated the project would save around 125 tonnes of carbon dioxide and £152,000 each year, eventually becoming entirely cost-neutral within 15 years — solar panels, on average, last at least a decade longer.

As it stands, although the hub itself is already filled with solar panels, its use continues to outstrip the amount of energy generated — the project would offset this use while the existing battery would allow the council to store any surplus.

In total, members of the cabinet were asked to approve a capital budget of £1.3 million from the council’s net zero fund.

Cllr Richard O’Driscoll added: “To me, this is a no-brainer, it’s great for the planet and great for the council taxpayer — I would like to see us do more of this kind of thing.”

The project received unanimous support from members subject to planning permission being granted in the future.

It was also suggested this projects’ success could act as a pilot for similar schemes across the district.