South Norfolk Council leader Daniel Elmer says something must be done about influx of solar farm bids

Norfolk’s fields could be transformed into industrial sites if an influx of solar farms are approved.

That is the view of Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council, who said something needed to be done to protect the district’s farming economy.

He has called on the Government to rethink its renewable energy plans as the district, and the wider county, braces itself for a rash of projects that threaten to transform Norfolk’s famed natural landscape.

It comes just days after campaigners formed a human chain across a village footpath on the outskirts of Shotesham to protest against plans for a huge solar farm.

The East Pye development would cover 2,700 acres of land around several villages, including Hempnall and Great Moulton.

Cllr Elmer said: “While the council acknowledges the importance of renewable energy demonstrated by our own use of solar panels on the council’s offices and leisure centres, we strongly believe that the development of large-scale solar farms should not compromise high-grade agricultural land.

“There is also the potential for a significant alteration to the rural landscape with solar farms transforming open fields into industrial sites, surrounding our local villages.”

A number of other solar projects could also appear in south Norfolk, including a 5,000-acre site near Gissing from energy firms RPC and Elmya.

Due to the size of projects like these, the final decision will rest with Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, rather than the district council.

“The council is being swamped by an influx of applications for large solar farms, driven by the perception of guaranteed government approval,” said Cllr Elmer. “Something must be done to protect south Norfolk.

“It really is time for the Government to come up with a properly thought-out, strategic approach for the delivery of renewable energy.”

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