As the deadline for final comments on plans to build the UK's largest solar farm on the west Suffolk border approaches, the council has pointed out "serious shortcomings" in the proposals.
Sunnica Ltd has applied to build solar and battery plant plans across the border between east Cambridgeshire and west Suffolk, including in Mildenhall, West Row, Freckenham and Worlington.
In a joint submission with other local authorities, Suffolk County Council has put together a report on the plans' "serious shortcomings" which was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate ahead of next Tuesday's deadline.
Areas of concern for the councils include the geographic scale of the proposal which will "permanently transform the landscape" and the impact on local communities during the 24-month construction period.
They also highlight issues with the proposals' evidence and methodology, claiming its presentation is unclear and not tailored to the local context.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and envrionment, previously stated it was the "poorest application" he has dealt with to date.
"There has been some positive progress with the applicant," he added.
"But unfortunately the proposals still do not meet the standards we, and local communities, would expect from a project on this scale."
On Tuesday, March 21, West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock reiterated his concerns over the application from Sunnica Ltd in a House of Commons debate, saying the project "undermines support for renewable energy" because it's "in the wrong place".
Mr Hancock added: "If you support solar, you should support it in the right place and not rub people's backs up with terrible consultation."
After the Examining Authority closes its examination process on Tuesday, March 28, a report and recommendation will be sent to the Secretary of State.
They will make the final decision, which is expected later in 2023.
Timeline of events:
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July 17, 2019 - Villagers launch action group Say No To Sunnica to campaign against plans to build Britain's largest solar farm
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November 2020 - Sunnica Ltd set out detailed proposals in their statutory consultation
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December 9, 2020 - West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock formally opposes Sunnica's plans
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March 11, 2022 - Matt Hancock says Sunnica plans 'should be sent back to the drawing board'
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March 20, 2022 - Solar farm protest march led by MPs Matt Hancock and Lucy Frazer
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October 8, 2022 - Say No To Sunnica campaigners issue 'last chance' warning as plans enter final stages
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November 9, 2022 - West Suffolk Council recommend Sunnica solar farm refusal
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December 6, 2022 - First hearing of the formal examination process takes place and Suffolk County Council's deputy leader says the proposals are 'the poorest application' he's dealt with to date
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March 28 - Planning Inspectorate closes its examination process and a recommendation is sent to the Secretary of State
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Later in 2023 - Final decision expected
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Spring 2025 - If approved, construction will take two years and the plan is for the site to be operational by Spring 2025
- 2065 - Solar farm site expected to be decommissioned
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