Council Seeks to Oppose Two Major Solar Farm Projects

Posted by UK Property Forums on 12th May 2025 -

Councillors in Suffolk have spoken out against two giant solar farms, set to cover a total of almost 1,200 acres.

Suffolk County Council has submitted its formal objection to plans for EcoPower’s 1,500-acre and battery energy storage project, spread over multiple sites in the parishes of Occold, Eye, Brome and Oakley, Stuston, Thrandeston, Mellis, Burgate, Thornham Parva, Gislingham and Yaxley in North Suffolk.

And just five miles away at White Elm, Elmya RPC UK is proposing a 675-acre solar farm in the parishes of Mendlesham, Wickham Skeith and Thwaite.

Both are ranked as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) so Government will get the final say in each case.

In its opposition to the 250-megawatt EcoPower project, the council has even published a report highlighting its objections, including the loss of farmland and habitats. It wants EcoPower to publish its own report ahead of the statutory consultation expected later this year.

Cllr Richard Rout, cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, said: “In many ways, this EcoPower proposal can be a litmus test for how well communities are, or I fear aren’t, engaged with.

“Even before Government’s latest plans to eliminate public engagement, this solar farm project was going to be running on the least amount of consultation possible.

“It is in EcoPower’s gift to work with local authorities, communities and organisation, beyond what is demanded of them by the current planning process.

“However, as a council our firm objection to projects that remove any of Suffolk’s best quality agricultural from food production, remains steadfast.”

EcoPower anticipates running its statutory consultation in Autumn.

A non-statutory public consultation for Elmya RPC UK’s White Elm solar farm project will run between May 19 and June 30. Cllr Rout believes locals will be similarly unimpressed by the new proposals, just five miles to the south.

He said: “I’m sure that the reaction of many Suffolk residents, will be ‘here we go again’. I have complete sympathy with them, especially as this is another application which is going to move very quickly.

“My message to local communities is to get fully involved with the detail of this non-statutory consultation. Do object and give clear reasons why, but also make constructive suggestions to amend and improve the plans in case it goes ahead, despite opposition from local people and councils. You can do both without compromising your objection.

“Sadly, the current standard practice for project promoters, such as Elmya Energy and EcoPower, is to carry out just two consultations. This means they travel through the planning process at the fastest possible speed, and it is local communities and residents who suffer.”