The idea has been put forward by two members of Norfolk County Council's cabinet amid rising concerns over a glut of applications to build solar arrays on agricultural land.

Thetford Forest (Image: Sonya Duncan)

They say that installing panels on 10pc of Thetford Forest, which is owned by the government, would help Labour's energy security and net zero ambitions, without the loss of Norfolk farmland.

Jane James, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for corporate resources and innovation (Image: Norfolk County Council)

The 'solar forest' idea has been put forward by Jane James, County Hall's cabinet member for corporate resources and innovation and Fabian Eagle, who has responsibility for economic development.

Although some trees would have to be chopped down to make way for the panels, they argue such felling already occurs.

The forest is already home to a biomass power station, meaning much of the necessary energy infrastructure already exists in the area, the pair claim.

Fabian Eagle, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for economic development (Image: Newsquest)

In an article for this newspaper, they say the idea is a "pragmatic alternative" to solar farm schemes which have been put forward in places such as the Long Stratton, Hempnall, Bradenham, Swaffham and Dereham........

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