There are a fears a “problematic” 2,200 acre solar and battery farm will be built on some of the county’s “best and versatile” land.
Suffolk County Council is set to discuss its response to EcoPower Suffolk’s scheme in Mid Suffolk.
The council is particularly concerned about the cumulative effect of multiple energy developments in the area, including National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury pylon project.
The scheme includes solar panels, battery storage facilities and related infrastructure.
Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for planning, devolution and the fire service, said: “Most notably, around 96% of this project is on Suffolk’s best and most versatile agricultural land, and road access to many parts of the project is, at best, problematic.
“The potential impact of the construction of this scheme in terms of traffic, disturbance, and the well-being of our communities, must be addressed by EcoPower.”
Objections centre on the loss of high-grade agricultural land, the impact of construction traffic on rural roads, and effects on countryside views.
Cllr Gale said: “Local communities and the council won improvements to this project in the last consultation and will need to try and do this again before the application is submitted to the Secretary of State.”
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Flood risks and the safety of the proposed battery storage facilities are also flagged as key issues.
The cabinet will consider a recommendation to oppose the application at its meeting on July 14.
If approved the response will be formally submitted to EcoPower Suffolk before the consultation deadline of August 16, 2026.
What we know about EcoPower Suffolk:
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