Protesters join hands against solar farm bid

People gathered near Shotesham to protest against the planned solar farm

Villagers have joined hands in protest against plans to build a solar farm that, if built, is believed would be one of the largest in the United Kingdom.

About 150 people gathered in fields near Shotesham, Norfolk, which would be covered in panels if the East Pye development goes ahead.

Block East Pye Solar organised the protest, bringing local families together to voice their concerns about the loss of countryside if the project proceeds.

Island Green Power, which is behind the project, said it would provide energy for the next 60 years.

The protesters joined hands to form a human chain across two fields that will be covered in panels if the development goes ahead

The proposed solar farm and battery project, capable of powering 115,000 homes annually by delivering up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity has sparked strong local opposition, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The East Pye scheme will cover fields around several villages including Saxlingham Nethergate, Shotesham, Brooke, Woodton, Hempnall and Great Moulton.

Island Green already operates solar farms in Salhouse and Trowse, Norfolk, as well as other counties in the East of England.

The new solar farm would span 2,700 acres and the electricity would be connected to the existing 400kV overhead line which runs between Norwich main and Bramford substations.

A decision on whether the project can go ahead will ultimately rest with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, rather than local councils, due to its size.