Plans for a major new solar farm, covering the equivalent of 86 football pitches, have been granted approval despite concerns from local residents and councillors.

Mid Suffolk District Council voted unanimously in favour of the development, which will see solar panels installed across a 120-acre site at Palgrave, near Diss in Norfolk. The project, proposed by renewable energy firm Aura Power, is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 12,000 homes annually.

While the move was welcomed by supporters of green energy, it sparked objections from some local residents and campaigners. Concerns were raised about the visual impact on the rural landscape, potential disruption to wildlife habitats, and the loss of productive agricultural land.

Farmer Stephen Rash, whose land will partly host the solar panels, addressed the council during the planning meeting. He defended the project, stating it would provide financial stability for his wider farming operations.

“This project is not a threat to food security—it is a safeguard,” he told councillors. “It will provide a safe, reliable income that allows us to invest in farming practices, modern equipment, and long-term sustainability.”

Supporters of the scheme also pointed to the environmental benefits of renewable energy, the financial contributions Aura Power has pledged to make to local projects, and the support it offers to landowners in difficult economic times.

However, Green Party cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, Tim Weller, voiced his unease, saying the growing number of energy projects across the region was placing a heavy burden on rural communities.

“Every village in my parish is being affected,” he said. “People can be forgiven for feeling like they’re single-handedly powering up Britain—and it’s all just a bit too much. The area feels under siege from energy infrastructure.”

Aura Power has committed to contributing £12,000 annually to a community benefit fund for the life of the solar farm.

Construction on the site is expected to begin later this year and will take approximately eight months to complete.

A logistics park expansion in Great Blakenham, Ipswich, could generate 3,500 new jobs, according to developers Curzon De Vere. The company has submitted a planning application to Mid Suffolk District Council, seeking approval to diversify operations at the 150-acre Port One Logistics Park.

If the proposal is approved, the development could contribute an estimated £3.4bn to the county's economy. Curzon De Vere's expansion plan includes a rebranding of the site to Port One Technology Park, introducing new engineering and innovation facilities alongside existing logistics operations.

Matthew Slater, Managing Director of Curzon De Vere, highlighted the park's rapid growth, attributing it to both international demand and the company's vision for Suffolk. "Port One has been growing at pace due in equal parts to demand from international businesses and our own ambitions to build a project that puts Suffolk on the global map and helps drive the local economy forward," he stated.

Sustainable and Technological Developments

The proposed expansion would incorporate a vertical farm growing vanilla, strawberries, and pharmaceutical crops, alongside a farm shop and AI-focused innovation units. Sustainability is also a key aspect of the plan, featuring 50 hectares of solar panels, a dedicated concrete production plant, and the planting of 150,000 trees to enhance the site's green credentials.

Infrastructure and Road Upgrades

To support increased activity at the park, Curzon De Vere has pledged to fund improvements to surrounding roads, including enhancements to junction 52 of the A14, aimed at reducing congestion and improving accessibility.

Mr. Slater expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its potential to boost employment and economic prosperity. "We are excited to be bringing prosperity and jobs to the area and ensuring the region regains its status as a leader in enterprise and industry," he said.

Mid Suffolk District Council leader, Andrew Mellen, welcomed the proposal, noting the district's attractiveness to businesses. "Mid Suffolk is an attractive place to do business, and we have already seen truly innovative and ambitious firms choosing to relocate or expand into the district in the last 12 months. We look forward to hearing more about Port One's plans, and will be encouraging people to have their say when the plans are submitted."

The planning application is currently under review, with further consultations expected before a final decision is made.