675-acre White Elm Solar Farmplan across Mendlesham, Wickham Skeith and Thwaite, north of Stowmarket, paused ‘indefinitely’
Plans for a large solar farm in Suffolk have been paused indefinitely – but concerns have been raised over why this decision was taken.
Elmya Energy UK Ltd had proposed the White Elm Solar Farm plans last year – a 675-acre development across Mendlesham, Wickham Skeith and Thwaite, north of Stowmarket.
The development, which was expected to generate enough electricity to power 40,000 homes, raised concerns for Suffolk county councillors as many called on the developer to provide greater clarity on its plans.
At the weekend, Elmya Energy confirmed the project has been paused indefinitely with two upcoming public consultation events, set for Saturday, May 31 and Wednesday, June 4, now cancelled.
Cllr Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, said he has concerns over the announcement.
He said: “Suffolk County Council had made it very clear that we would object to the White Elm Solar Farm if, as seemed to beproposed, some of Suffolk’s best quality farmland was to be taken out of food production to build it.
“While I am pleased to see the plans put on hold, we are yet to hear why they have chosen to do so.
“My fear is this, or a very similar scheme, may resurface if and when the Government’s proposed changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill go through.
“These changes will allow projects like this to be forced through without any statutory consultation, so councils like Suffolk County Council, and the communities we represent, will have even less say.”
The White Elm site sits five miles south of another proposed solar farm in Yaxley. Elmya was expected to submit its scheme to the local planning authority in 2026.
The proposed development would connect to existing grid infrastructure through a new substation, with the exact substation location still to be determined by National Grid.
Elmya Energy was approached for comment.
