Statement on the pausing of the White Elm Solar Farm

Suffolk County Council had made it very clear that we would object to the White Elm Solar Farm if, as seemed to be proposed, some of Suffolk’s best quality farmland was to be taken out of food production to build it.

While I am pleased to see the plans put on hold, we are yet to hear why they have chosen to do so. My fear is this, or a very similar scheme, may resurface if and when the Government’s proposed changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill go through. These changes will allow projects like this to be forced through without any statutory consultation, so councils like Suffolk County Council, and the communities we represent, will have even less say.