Mid Suffolk District Council calls for strategic approach to rising energy developments and National Grid connections

Concerns have been raised as rising energy developments and connections to the National Grid in Mid Suffolk could harm communities and the environment.

Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council leader, and Cllr Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, have written to National Grid and NESO (National Energy System Operator) urging action amid increasing grid connection demands, especially along the A140.

Proposed solar farms include EcoPower Suffolk — spanning 600 hectares across five sites in Eye, Gislingham, Occold, Stuston, and Thrandeston, as well as Elmya Energy UK Ltd’s White Elm Solar Farm — covering 750 acres in Mendlesham, Wickham Skeith, and Thwaite.

These projects require connections to existing substations or the construction of new ones.

They are classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, meaning the proposals will be reviewed by the national Planning Inspectorate with the Secretary of State making the final decision as Mid Suffolk will act only as a consultee.

Cllr Mellen said: “There is a real danger that unless this work is coordinated at a strategic level, our communities and environment will suffer irreparable damage.

“We recognise the importance of energy infrastructure and the need for grid connections to support the government’s pathway to clean power by 2030. But we must minimise the harm this causes to our district.

“If coordinated and planned in a more strategic way, grid supply points in more suitable locations could not just deliver local and regional decarbonisation – they could even help power economic development in the right areas.”

In the letter to National Grid and NESO, the councillors called for a more strategic approach and further discussions to be held.

The council has previously urged developers to address local concerns and ensure projects provide community benefits while balancing the need for sustainable energy with farmland and heritage protection.

Cllr Stringer added: “We are keen for developers to consider locations closer to growth areas rather than on isolated greenfield locations.

“This has become a significant issue for our district. By working together, we can ensure we get the grid capacity we need to deliver renewable energy, but in the right places.”