Communities to consider major solar farm proposal

Plans for a large new solar farm have gone out to consultation among several communities.

A 675-acre (273-hectare) plot of land around Mendlesham, near Stowmarket, has been earmarked for the major White Elm project.

Conservative-controlled Suffolk County Council said it would object to the proposal if high quality farmland was affected.

But Spanish firm Elmya Energy, which is expected to submit plans in 2026, said it would power more than 40,000 homes a year. Labour's Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will have the final say on the plans.

A consultation began on Monday and is due to run until 30 June.

The White Elm site, which also surrounds Wickham Skeith and Thwaite, sits five miles (8km) south of another proposed solar farm in Yaxley.

"I'm sure the reaction of many Suffolk residents will be 'here we go again'," said Conservative councillor Richard Rout.

He warned the application would move "very quickly" and urged residents to voice their concerns.

"Do object and give clear reasons why, but also make constructive suggestions to amend and improve the plans in case it goes ahead," Rout added.

In a statement, the county council said solar farms "should not remove Suffolk's best quality farmland" from food production.

Concerns have also been raised about where a substation would be built for the development, which is expected to have a 40-year lifespan.

A spokesman for Elmya Energy said it was in the early stages of shaping the solar farm.

He said a storage system was being created to retain any excess energy for "when the sun isn't shining".

"If approved, White Elm Solar Farm would generate enough clean electricity to power over 40,000 typical family homes every year during its 40-year operational lifespan," he added.

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