Energy infrastructure ‘must be coordinated’ to minimise impact on Mid Suffolk communities

27/02/25

Rising demand for energy developments and connections to the National Grid in Mid Suffolk must be coordinated to minimise the harm on local communities and the environment, it has been warned.

Mid Suffolk District Council leader, Cllr Andy Mellen, and cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, Cllr Andrew Stringer, have written to National Grid and NESO (National Energy System Operator) urging action.

They say there has been an increasing demand for new grid connections for energy developments in Mid Suffolk - particularly along the A140 corridor.

These include proposed solar farms such as EcoPower Suffolk, on 600 hectares of land across five different sites in the Eye, Gislingham, Occold, Stuston and Thrandeston areas, and Elmya Energy UK Ltd’s proposals for White Elm Solar Farm centred on a 750-acre site in the Mendlesham, Wickham Skeith and Thwaite area.

These must be connected to the grid at either existing substations or require new ones.

They are considered Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. 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 developments. The Secretary of State will make the final decision.

Cllr Mellen said:

“There is a real danger that unless this work is coordinated at a strategic level, our communities and environment will suffer irreparable damage.

“We recognise the importance of energy infrastructure and the need for grid connections to support the government’s pathway to clean power by 2030. But we must minimise the harm this causes to our district.

“If coordinated and planned in a more strategic way, grid supply points in more suitable locations could not just deliver local and regional decarbonisation – they could even help power economic development in the right areas.”

The letter says Mid Suffolk District Council wants to work with National Grid and NESO on a more strategic approach, and requests further talks.

Cllr Stringer said:

“We are keen for developers to consider locations closer to growth areas rather than on isolated greenfield locations.

“This has become a significant issue for our district. By working together, we can ensure we get the grid capacity we need to deliver renewable energy, but in the right places.”

Mid Suffolk District Council has previously urged renewable energy developers to listen to the concerns of local communities – and set out how any developments would provide benefits for them.

It has also said the need for sustainable energy must be balanced with protecting valuable farmland and heritage.