Mid Suffolk District Council in call for more clarity on proposed 750-acre White Elm Solar Farm in Mendlesham, Wickham Skeith and Thwaite

A council is calling for a developer to provide more clarity about plans for a ‘nationally significant’ solar farm.

Mid Suffolk District Council says a developer must provide more clarity around its plan for a ‘nationally significant’ new solar farm in the district.

Elmya Energy UK Ltd is proposing White Elm Solar Farm centre on a 750-acre site in the Mendlesham, Wickham Skeith and Thwaite area, which would produce 200MW of electricity, include battery storage and take up the equivalent of 425 football pitches.

Because of its generating capacity it is considered a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP), meaning Mid Suffolk District Council will only be a consultee on the proposals.

The national Planning Inspectorate will examine and recommend whether to approve or reject the development, with the Secretary of State making the final decision.

The council said significant, unanswered questions must be addressed.

Cllr Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said: “On behalf of the communities we serve, we do want answers from the developer.

“For example, where would this solar farm connect to the grid and what infrastructure would be required? The developer says it has a secured grid connection from 2031, but where? This is crucial detail. If it is relying on linking to the proposed new row of pylons between Norwich and Tilbury, this doesn’t even have Government approval.”

Elmya Energy is expected to launch details of its plans shortly, followed by a programme of community engagement in the autumn and a formal consultation next year, before submitting a development consent order in summer 2026.

Mid Suffolk is encouraging residents, businesses and communities to engage with the pre-consultation – when it begins – to have a say.

Cllr Stringer said: “There have been a number of solar farm applications in our district. This is the biggest yet and we want to ensure the voices of local people are heard and the impacts on our district’s communities, businesses, heritage and environment are clearly and fully understood.”

In November, Mid Suffolk said it was vital any developers looking to build solar farms or other renewable energy developments in the district listened to concerns and explained potential community benefits.

Last year, Mid Suffolk District Council leader Cllr Andy Mellen called on the Government to provide a clear national framework for solar farm development.

He said: “As a Green-led council we do want to see renewable local energy production, but what's the right amount?”

Mid Suffolk wrote to the Government last year restating its objections to the proposed Norwich to Tilbury overhead line, which would see more pylons cut across the Suffolk countryside.