Racing at one of the UK’s largest courses is at risk due to a proposed solar farm that could potentially spook the horses, according to local MP Nick Timothy. The Sunnica site, covering 2,500 acres, has raised concerns about glint and glare from the panels distracting horses and jockeys during races at the nearby Suffolk venue. Despite these concerns, the Energy Department has dismissed them, stating that impact assessments concluded there would be no impact on racehorses at Newmarket.
Campaigners have warned that the solar farm poses a threat to the livelihoods of those working in the racing industry, with Timothy calling the situation a “scandal.” The Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, is being urged to cancel the Sunnica site in order to safeguard the future of Newmarket, which is considered the jewel in the British horse racing crown. However, the government has stated that the issue of glint and glare was thoroughly considered at the time of planning and there is no evidence it would impact racehorses.
The £600 million Sunnica project was first proposed under the Tories and signed off by Miliband, despite concerns raised by campaigners and local officials. The government has defended the project, stating that reflections from the PV panels to the horse racing industry receptor locations during operation will either not be geometrically possible or will be sufficiently screened. Despite these reassurances, local MP Timothy and others continue to push for the cancellation of the solar farm to protect the future of Newmarket and the racing industry.
