Third solar site bid for area near planned mega-farms

While the Dykewood project was approved at a planning meeting, external on Tuesday, questions were raised about how it would benefit local people.

Michael Westman, a Reform UK councillor, asked officials about what perks would be offered to the two communities affected.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the councillor for Thetford Priory said there was “little benefit” from what he could see.

Representatives of the developer have insisted there will be a community benefit fund of £10,000 per year for the 40-year lifetime of the scheme.

And council officials argued the community benefit was the provision of solar energy, with the scheme able to power 18,000 homes.

Councillors backed the proposals, with seven votes in favour and three against.