Suffolk County Council is today calling for greater transparency and fairness for communities following the release of new plans for a 750-acre solar farm in Mid Suffolk.
Although not published yet, Elmya Energy UK plans to build the White Elm Solar Farm, which covers a 750-acre site in the Mendlesham, Wickham Skeith and Thwaite area. The solar farm would produce 200MW of electricity, include battery storage, and take up land the equivalent of 425 football pitches.
The proposed solar farm will be a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, therefore the decision will be determined by the Secretary of State at the Department of Energy and Net Zero, and not Suffolk County Council, who will only be a statutory consultee.
Plans by Elmya Energy UK are expected shortly.
Councillor Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Finance and Environment, said:
“New solar projects are coming in by the back door, and greater transparency and fairness for our communities is essential.
“The motion to Suffolk County Council that I'm proposing today includes an action to write to the National Energy System Operator, who grants connections to new energy projects like this one, to ensure that before their new system of regional energy planning works fully, there is proper interim arrangements for communication and coordination with councils and others.
“The County Council will continue to press government and National Grid for coordination, communication and fairness, on behalf of the communities of Suffolk.”
Suffolk County Council is an experienced consultee on large scale solar farm plans, taking a leading role on the scrutiny of the SUNNICA project in West Suffolk
Councillor Rout added: “The Council’s experience with SUNNICA shows what a bad project looks like, a repeat of this type of approach is just not acceptable. An exemplary project, with exemplary engagement for the Council and communities, is essential.”
