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Plans for a huge new solar farm spanning 90 hectares of Suffolk farmland have sparked concerns over the loss of productive land and the potential impact on wildlife and the landscape.
Currently, the plans for the Deben Solar Farm on land around Letheringham and Easton are waiting on the outcome of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which would determine the likely impact of the plans on the environment.
East Suffolk Council determined that the assessment was required after receiving more than 600 objections to the plans, which would see a solar farm generating 49.9MW, enough to power the equivalent of 15,150 homes annually.
The project is being promoted by QC Otranto Limited, part of the Quintas Energy group.
A campaigner from Stop Deben Solar said: “It is a historical village. This is the Deben valley, a beautiful area of Suffolk. It is full of heritage.
“It is a shame that the landlord and the developers are all determined to push through this huge energy generating project and the views of the inhabitants are hardly taken into consideration.”
Here’s how the plans for the large-scale solar and battery scheme have developed so far:
Environmental and ecological assessment work began during 2024. Technical reports were prepared to support a future planning application.
One environmental report shows draft work being undertaken during May 2024. The assessments covered matters that would later be considered as part of the planning process.
Public consultation began through the River Deben Solar project website.
Plans set out a solar farm with generating capacity of about 49.9MW, alongside battery storage of roughly 49.9MW to 50MW. Information published by the developer said the scheme could produce enough electricity for about 15,150 homes annually.
A full planning application was prepared and submitted to East Suffolk Council.
The proposal covers two land parcels: land north of Kettleburgh Road, Easton, and land west of Park Road, Letheringham.
Documents submitted with the application included planning, ecological and habitat assessments.
The opposition group Stop Deben Solar challenged the application process and raised concerns about environmental impacts.
Following those objections, East Suffolk Council decided the development should be treated as EIA development. This meant the applicant had to prepare a full Environmental Statement examining likely impacts before the application could be decided.
The council formally confirmed that an EIA would be required. This lengthened the planning process and required more detailed evidence about environmental effects.
The application remains undetermined. Charsfield Parish Council has reported that a decision is now unlikely before 2027.
The EIA must be completed and submitted before East Suffolk Council can fully assess the scheme.
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