County council urges communities to help shape 2,200-acre solar farm project

Suffolk County Council is encouraging residents, businesses and parish councils to take part in EcoPower Suffolk’s public consultation for its proposed solar farm and battery energy storage project.
Published: 22 Jun 2026
a large solar farm in the countryside

This statutory consultation launches today (Monday 22 June 2026) and closes on Sunday 16 August 2026.

Following a first consultation held last year, changes were made to the project after feedback from residents, businesses and parish councils was taken into account.

The proposed development is for a 250-megawatt solar farm and battery energy storage system, which will be spread out over 2,200 acres across five areas in Mid Suffolk:

  • south and east of Stuston
  • north and east of Eye
  • north of Gislingham
  • north of Occold
  • between Thrandeston and Mellis
There will remain issues that require greater clarity and scrutiny, and it is important that anyone affected has their say while there is still time to influence the plans.
Councillor Tristan Gale
Councillor Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service

Councillor Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service, said:

“The local community helped shape EcoPower’s proposals once before, and they can do so again. The feedback received during last year’s consultation led to changes, demonstrating the value of community engagement.

“I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to review the latest plans and share their views – this is our last opportunity before EcoPower Suffolk submits its application to the Planning Inspectorate.

“There will remain issues that require greater clarity and scrutiny, and it is important that anyone affected has their say while there is still time to influence the plans.

“Although I look forward to examining the revised proposals, I remain deeply concerned about the potential impact on high-quality agricultural land, our highway network, local amenities, the landscape and the wellbeing of local communities.”

County council officers will now scrutinise the proposals in detail and prepare a report with recommendations for cabinet members. The council’s formal response to the consultation will then be considered and agreed at the cabinet meeting on 14 July 2026.

EcoPower Suffolk will hold in-person events in Gislingham, Occold and Eye, alongside three online webinars, giving residents multiple opportunities to learn more about the proposals and share their views.

Further details about EcoPower Suffolk’s proposals, consultation events and how to submit comments before the 16 August 2026 deadline can be found on its website www.ecopowersuffolk.com