Aura Power has received planning consent for its proposed 30MW solar farm at Marsh Lane in Mid Suffolk, following the finalisation of a Section 106 agreement designed to safeguard local skylark nesting habitats.
The solar project, which will be situated between the villages of Palgrave and Wortham, was approved unanimously by the Mid Suffolk District Council planning committee in April. Councillors cited the project’s strong community outreach and its potential to provide long-term economic support to local agricultural businesses as key factors in their decision.
The development will be undertaken in collaboration with three local landowners. One participating farmer noted that the initiative offers financial stability in a challenging economic environment: “This is not prime agricultural land, and the revenue from the solar farm will help secure the future of our wider farm business. It means we can keep producing food, rather than facing financial uncertainty.”
Once completed, the Marsh Lane solar farm is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power approximately 12,000 homes annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 11,000 tonnes per year. The project also includes plans for environmental enhancements such as wildflower meadows, grassland restoration, and new hedgerow planting aimed at increasing biodiversity.
Peter Thomas, UK Head of Development at Aura Power, said the scheme reflects a broader vision for integrating sustainability and rural resilience: “This project demonstrates how clean energy generation, farming, and biodiversity can work hand-in-hand, while delivering long-term benefits for rural businesses and the local environment.”
Construction is expected to commence in spring 2027, with grid connection anticipated by September the same year. Aura Power stated it is working with other local energy developers to coordinate construction schedules and minimise community disruption.
As part of the agreement, an annual £12,000 community fund will be established to support local initiatives throughout the lifetime of the project.
