Broadland District Council blocked proposals for the 230-acre installation on land off Aylsham Road in Cawston, between Reepham and Aylsham.

Its planning committee voted not to approve the scheme after a split vote.

Jo Coppleston, a Conservative councillor, said she had “grave concerns” about the scheme, particularly over the loss of high-quality farmland she described as "prime".

The development site in Cawston (Image: Google Maps)

More than 95pc of the 93-hectare site is classified as prime agricultural land, which she described as Broadland’s “best and most versatile”.

She said: "I am worried about solar and protecting our food security. This is definitely our best and most versatile land.”

The council's decision to block the project comes at a time of growing debate about the spread of solar........

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