Residents Warn Proposed Solar Farm Could Disrupt St Martin's Tranquil Countryside

As of October 20th, 2025, residents of St Martin in Jersey have raised concerns over plans for a large 5.2-megawatt solar farm in the area of Belle Fontaine. The proposed project, which would cover about eight hectares of Crown land, has sparked debate among locals who worry it could disrupt the parish's tranquil rural character and impact the local wildlife.

Some residents argue that the clay soil in the area is better suited for traditional farming practices than solar panels, and fear the installation could affect agricultural activities. One local, Adrien Merhet, suggests using rooftops instead of farmland to generate solar power, so that residents can directly benefit from the electricity.

Despite the concerns, Jersey Electricity (JE) says the agrivoltaic system could power more than 40% of homes in the parish and become a centre of excellence for sustainable energy. The company claims the site is well-screened and would remain in agricultural use, with biodiversity improvements. However, residents like Monique Lawrence remain cautious about the visual and environmental impact on their community.

The plans are part of JE's Solar 5000 programme to generate 25 megawatts of local solar power by 2027. Feedback from ongoing consultations will shape a formal planning application later this year, with construction potentially starting in 2026 and power generation by spring 2027.