Solar farm given the go-ahead despite opposition

Plans to build a solar farm roughly the size of 86 football pitches have been approved.

Mid Suffolk District Council unanimously supported the plans, which would see panels placed on farmland at Palgrave near Diss in Norfolk.

The developer, Aura Power, said the 120-acre site could create enough energy to power 12,000 homes a year.

Objections were raised, with concerns over the impact to the landscape, potential effects on wildlife and the use of agricultural land.

However, there were supportive comments on the planning application, including praising the creation of "green energy", developer contributions to community projects and support for farmers.

Stephen Rash, a farmer from Wortham, spoke at the planning meeting. He told councillors that part of his land would be used.

He said although the land would not have crops on while the solar farm was in place, the income from it would support other parts of his business.

"This project is not a threat to food security, it is a safeguard," he said.

"It will provide a safe, reliable income that allows us to invest in farming practices, modern equipment and long-term sustainability."

However, Green Party cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, Tim Weller, said every village in his parish was being affected by energy projects.

He said the people he represented "can be forgiven for feeling they're single handily powering up Britain and it's all just a bit too much".

He said the area was "under siege" from energy infrastructure.

The developer would have to contribute £12,000 a year to a community benefit fund for the lifetime of the solar farm.

Construction was due to start later this year and take up to eight months to complete.

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