Full Breakdown
Redmere and Chatteris Wind Farm Proposals Spark Debate in East Anglia
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Proposal Details
Swedish state-owned energy firm Vattenfall has unveiled plans for two on-shore wind farms on the Norfolk-Cambridgeshire-Suffolk border. The Redmere site, straddling the Shippea Hill railway station, would host up to 32 turbines up to 721 ft (220 m) tall, delivering 303 MW. The nearby Chatteris farm would add 126 MW. Together the projects could generate electricity for up to 321,369 homes annually. Final planning applications are expected in autumn 2027; the schemes are classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), meaning the decision will rest with the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero rather than local councils.
Background & Context
Vattenfall, owned by the Swedish government, is proposing the Chatteris Wind Farm south of Chatteris, which it says could power more than 100,000 homes. Both developments will be submitted as separate applications but are presented together because they affect overlapping communities. Under the NSIP regime, the government leads the assessment, while local authorities act as statutory consultees.
Key Figures & Groups
- Tristan Gale – Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service, Suffolk County Council.
- Robin Stewart – Project Manager, Vattenfall UK.
- Kevin Keable – Director, East of England Energy Group.
- Joe Mason – Deputy Leader, Conservative group, Suffolk County Council.
- Charlotte Cane – Liberal Democrat MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire.
Data & Statistics
- Redmere turbines: up to 32, each 220 m tall.
- Redmere capacity: 303 MW, claimed to power 218,084 homes.
- Chatteris capacity: 126 MW, claimed to power >100,000 homes.
- Combined capacity: 425 MW, sufficient for 321,369 homes per year.
- Vattenfall projects a 10 % net gain in biodiversity over the farms’ lifetimes and anticipates job creation, local supplier contracts and community-funding contributions.
Community Engagement
Residents within a 3 km radius will receive invitation letters to attend public drop-in sessions. Scheduled events include:
- October 13 – Feltwell Royal British Legion Hall, Feltwell, 4 pm–8 pm.
- October 14 – Mepal Village Hall, School Lane, 4 pm–8 pm (Chatteris focus).
- October 15 – Littleport Leisure Community Centre, Camel Road, 4 pm–8 pm.
No registration is required. Further consultation is expected in 2027 when detailed designs become available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Enough is enough. Suffolk cannot continue to absorb project after project without a full assessment of the cumulative impact on local people, the countryside and our economy.” — council spokesperson
- “Cheaper, more secure electricity for the UK means generating more of our own power.” — County Council representative
What’s Next
The October drop-in sessions provide the first formal opportunity for local stakeholders to question Vattenfall’s survey and assessment work. After these meetings, Vattenfall will refine its designs ahead of the autumn 2027 planning submissions. The NSIP process will then move to central government for a final decision.