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Elmya Energy UK Ltd’s proposals for White Elm Solar Farm centre on 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.
Because of its generating capacity, it is considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means Mid Suffolk District Council will only be a consultee on the proposals, and the national Planning Inspectorate will examine and recommend whether to approve or reject the development. The Secretary of State will make the final decision.
The council says significant, unanswered questions must be addressed. Cllr Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said:
Elmya Energy is expected to launch details of its plans shortly, followed by a programme of community engagement including non-statutory consultation this autumn and a formal consultation in summer 2025, before submitting a development consent order in summer 2026.
Mid Suffolk is encouraging residents, businesses and communities to engage with the pre-consultation, when it begins, to ensure they can have their say.
Cllr Stringer said:
In November, Mid Suffolk set out its expectations of any developers looking to build solar farms or other renewable energy developments in the district, saying it was vital they listened to local concerns and set out the potential community benefits.
The council agreed a position statement recognising that while there are clear environmental and social benefits of providing renewable and low carbon energy, this must be balanced with protecting valuable farmland and heritage.
Cllr Stringer said:
Last year, Mid Suffolk District Council leader Cllr Andy Mellen called on the Government to provide a clear national framework for the development of solar farms.
He said it was essential to help all local authorities find the right balance between delivering renewable energy, food production and protecting the countryside.
He said:
Mid Suffolk wrote to the Government last year restating its objections to the proposed Norwich to Tilbury overhead line, which would see more pylons cut across the Suffolk countryside. The council urged a more strategic offshore approach, minimising and mitigating harm to Suffolk’s communities and environment.