A town faces being completely encircled by solar panels after plans emerged for a massive 3,600-acre renewable energy project that would cover an area equivalent to approximately 1,800 football pitches.
The proposed Tasway Energy Park near Long Stratton, Norfolk, would generate enough electricity to power around 200,000 homes, according to renewable energy firm Aukera.
The development would span agricultural land surrounding six villages, including Ashwellthorpe, Hapton, Tharston, Forncett St Mary, Forncett St Peter and Tacolneston.
If approved, the 700-megawatt facility would become one of Norfolk's largest solar installations, second only to a planned 5,000-acre development near Gissing.
Labour MP for the area came out against Tasway Energy Park
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The scheme would be constructed alongside two other major solar projects - the 2,700-acre East Pye development and another unnamed 2,500-acre proposal also near Long Stratton.
Residents fear the combined projects would effectively surround the town with solar panels, leaving minimal open countryside in the area.
The Tasway project would be classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will make the final decision rather than local councils.
Aukera, backed by investors Atlas Invest, has published initial maps showing the farmland earmarked for conversion, but says many details, including cabling routes and substation locations, remain undetermined.
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South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough came out against the plan
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South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough has publicly declared his opposition to the project, stating: "When we keep getting as many applications go in as this, we have to say, enough is enough."
He urged residents to "work together with a unified voice to show that we do not believe it is fair to keep imposing all this energy infrastructure on our small Norfolk community".
Long Stratton councillor Georgina Race warned the developments would leave the area "without any countryside at all", adding: "It is like they are trying to turn south Norfolk into the nation's engine."
Norfolk currently has 2,200 acres of solar farms, but this could surge to nearly 25,000 acres if all current proposals proceed - an increase of more than 850 per cent.
Tensions have escalated across affected villages, with some Hempnall, Saxlingham and Tasburgh residents receiving letters stating their "homes may be required" for the East Pye development.
Critics argue that the conversion of vast agricultural areas could threaten Britain's food security and damage Norfolk's rural character.
Supporters maintain the projects will reduce fossil fuel dependence and provide farmers with additional income streams.
A guide to the solar farm
Tasway Energy Park
A spokeswoman for Tasway Energy Park said: "The site has been identified following careful consideration of a range of factors, including land availability, access to grid infrastructure, and environmental and technical constraints.
"Norfolk receives high levels of daylight year-round, making it well-suited for reliable solar energy generation.
"We recognise the agricultural value of the land and are committed to designing a scheme that enables both food production and clean energy.
"The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has highlighted that the UK’s agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, especially as shifting weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and variable rainfall increasingly disrupt growing conditions.
"In this context, solar farms can provide landowners with a reliable income stream, helping to sustain rural livelihoods."
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