Residents to have their say on sustainable future

To help with future planning applications and to protect the local environment, the Council commissioned The Landscape Partnership to undertake a study to look at different types of energy projects, including solar farms, battery storage, substations, underground cable routes and overhead powerlines.

South Norfolk Council Leader, Cllr Daniel Elmer said:

The primary aim of this study is to protect South Norfolk, when identifying suitable sites for energy generation, storage, and transmission projects. It will enable the Council to make informed decisions on future proposals, ensuring any potential impact on South Norfolk's landscape and its communities is minimised. This forward-thinking study will serve as a robust evidence-based document, strategically protecting our most environmentally sensitive and visually important locations from inappropriate development.

The Council understands there is a need for investment in sustainable energy production and energy security and the LSS is designed to help integrate energy infrastructure while at the same time safeguarding the unique character of the district. South Norfolk has increasingly become the target for planning applications for large solar farms on agricultural land.

These applications have been classified as nationally significant energy projects and as such the planning decisions are taken by the Secretary of State and not the local planning committee. The document is intended to highlight site sensitivities, design and mitigation, helping applicants align proposals with national and local planning frameworks while minimising adverse impacts on the landscape and local communities.

The Council will also use the study to assess the suitability of any proposals and ensure there is consistency with national and local planning policy objectives. More information will be available when the consultation opens.