Solar farm decision delayed over local concerns

Plans for a major solar farm capable of powering close to 10,000 homes have been pushed back over local concerns.

Mid Suffolk councillors met to discuss plans for a new 35-hectare (86 acres) solar farm across several agricultural fields west of Blacksmiths Lane, in Earl Stonham, near Stowmarket.

Low Carbon Solar Park 27 Ltd, which submitted the bid in October 2023, said the 40-year scheme would have a 30-megawatt output – enough energy to power 9,642 homes every year.

Although planning officers deemed the project acceptable, there was strong opposition to the plans with concerns over the location, and it was deferred for a risk assessment.

The solar farm would be built alongside other infrastructure, including substations, inverters, CCTV and fencing.

Objections were submitted by 26 residents and Earl Stonham Parish Council, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

Mark Gillett, who spoke during the meeting as chairman of Earl Stonham Parish Council, said residents were not 'NIMBYs', but felt under siege from the application, as well as National Grid's plans for the Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme.

The term NIMBY (not in my backyard) referred to residents objecting to projects being located too close to where they live while supporting similar bids elsewhere.

Sam Dicks, the planning manager for the applicant, said there would not be any significant impacts and added the benefits of the development were "extensive".

During the meeting, several councillors said although they were supportive of solar developments, they felt this plan would be too close to heritage assets and criticised the irregular and inefficient layout of the site, across several fields.

The council's area planning manager also pointed out that the reasons for refusal would not be concrete and warned councillors about a big risk of losing the decision at appeal.

Councillors voted five votes for and two against to defer the application for the time being, so a risk assessment could be prepared.

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