Large solar farm approved despite objections

The solar farm will be decommissioned after 40 years

A large solar farm has been granted planning permission despite concerns over potential harm to the landscape.

The 35-hectare (86-acre) solar farm in Earl Stonham, near Stowmarket, in Suffolk, will operate for four decades and could generate enough electricity to power about 10,000 homes every year.

Concerns raised by residents included loss of farmland and the impact on the landscape, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Planning officers had recommended the plans were approved and members of Mid Suffolk District Council's planning committee agreed, voting through the project unanimously.

The scheme, submitted by Low Carbon Solar Park 27 Ltd in October 2023, was pushed back in early May for further information due to concerns over the effective use of the land and landscape harm.

Impact on residents

Council officers explained impacts had been mitigated as much as possible, and reiterated the need for the council to remain consistent in deciding solar schemes.

They concluded there would be a high risk of the application going to appeal and, depending on the outcome, costs being awarded to the applicant.

Jen Overett, a Green Party councillor, said although members of the planning committee empathised with residents, their hands were tied due to a lack of a national strategy on where such solar farms should go.

Tom Mason, one of the landowners, said he and his family had consistently rejected proposals for solar development but had decided to accept this scheme as it meant the smallest possible impact on residents.

He said: "As a small family operation, we hope this project will enable continued investment in the remaining arable land, ensuring the farm can be sustainable for future generations."