A spokesman for EcoPower Suffolk confirmed that plans for its site near Eye have increased from around 1,500 acres to around 2,100 acres.

This comes as this paper can reveal maps of the site around Occold, Gislingham, Mellis, Yaxley, Brome, Thrandeston and Eye.

The map of the EcoPower Suffolk site near Eye. (Image: EcoPower Suffolk)

A spokesman for the organisation highlighted that the project is "essential to meet the UK’s targets for clean home-grown energy".

However, Andrew Mellen, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, has criticised the plans, arguing that "we must maintain our food security and protect much-loved landscapes".

Andrew Mellen, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

He said: "We need more solar panels on roofs, and ideally, large-scale solar development should be directed to less-productive land or should allow for co-production of food, such as grazing livestock under the panels.  The most important thing is that this developer needs to listen to the concerns of residents and communities which will be affected by this proposal.”

Mr Mellen also pointed out that the absence of a long-promised government land-use framework has made it harder to protect our most productive farmland.

Tunie Brandon, mayor of Eye. (Image: Contributed)

Meanwhile, Tunie Brandon, mayor of Eye, said: "I fear our town will be completely surrounded.

"The roads could also be totally torn up by lorries during the building, which is estimated to take up to two years.

"Our first awareness of the project came not through direct engagement, but via a report on BBC Look East.

"For a development of this scale, that is not an acceptable starting point for meaningful community consultation."

Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage planning and infrastructure. (Image: Jason Noble)

Andrew Stringer, Mid Suffolk cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, added: “We have serious concerns that those promoting this project are simply not listening to our communities' fears.”

A spokesman for EcoPower Suffolk noted that they extended the EcoPower Suffolk programme due to feedback to its 2025 consultation.

Meanwhile, they say EcoPower has held community liaison groups during this extended period, involving district councillors, parish councils and community groups to keep up engagement.

The next stage of the public consultation will be in the summer, when EcoPower will request feedback on more developed project proposals.

The DCO application is expected to be submitted in early 2027.

© Eastern Daily Press