Sunnica solar farm plans for Suffolk border set for decision

The proposed Sunnica Energy Farm would see the 2,500-acre development built across the border between east Cambridgeshire and west Suffolk, including in towns and villages such as Mildenhall, West Row, Freckenham and Worlington.

The application by Sunnica Limited was due to be decided last September, but this was postponed to December 7. 

The proposed Sunnica Energy Farm would see the 2,500-acre development built across the border (Image: Newsquest)

However, on the day an outcome was due to be made public, the decision was delayed again this time to March 7.

Following the December postponement, MP for West Suffolk Matt Hancock, who has opposed the plans for the project since the beginning, said: "The not knowing has been incredibly difficult for local residents, so I'm pleased we now have a date for the decision.

"I once again urge the government to reject Sunnica's current plans, so we can finally put this huge worry to rest."

MP Matt Hancock (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown, Newsquest)

In 2022, a 'Say No to Sunnica' protest led by Matt Hancock and Lucy Frazer, MP for South East Cambridgeshire, saw about 200 people march from Mildenhall to the site of part of the proposed solar farm.

The plans would see the farm built across the border between east Cambridgeshire and west Suffolk, including in Mildenhall, West Row, Freckenham and Worlington.

'Say No to Sunnica' protest led by Matt Hancock and Lucy Frazer, MP for South East Cambridgeshire (Image: Autumn Scott/Say No to Sunnica)

A spokesman for Sunnica has backed the proposals and said the project would help the UK meet its targets to become carbon neutral.

The spokesman previously said in a statement: "The UK needs to double the amount of renewable energy it generates by 2050.

"Sunnica would make a significant contribution to this goal.

"We will continue to work with the Secretary of State to provide them with any information they require to determine our DCO application."