The landscape of Suffolk is at risk like never before. The latest solar farm proposed by 'Eco Power Suffolk', covers 2,200 acres of high grade agricultural land surrounding Eye, dwarfing our local community and farmland.

Eye is a medieval market town in Mid Suffolk, home to Eye Castle (Norman motte-and-bailey), a former Benedictine Priory, the 15th-century Church of St Peter and St Paul, a Guildhall and more than 160 listed buildings. There have been two nationally significant hoards of Roman treasure found in the farmland of the area. The town's historic character and its setting within open Suffolk farmland are inseparable — the landscape IS the heritage.

This is threatening the very heart of our community. This is not just about environmental impact — it is about preserving the unique setting of our historic English market town and its countryside against further industrial encroachment.

Our area already carries its fair share of industrialisation. To the north and west, we have a power station, two poultry factories, a huge industrial estate, and planning permission has been granted for a petrol station with fast food outlet. All of these things have a huge impact on the landscape, with tall towers, strong smells and pollution.

Now to the east, along with acres of solar panels, a substation is being proposed on Brome Avenue — an historic and residential location. This section of the proposed solar farm directly borders the 'Mid Suffolk footpath' — a famous and beloved walking route used daily by Eye residents and visitors, connecting them to the landscape and heritage of the town.  This extended infringement to local life is not acceptable and will have damaging effects on mental health and wellbeing.  

The national grid operates as a single national pool. There is no mechanism that guarantees locally generated power is consumed locally. Eye residents will still pay market-rate energy bills. This is a private commercial venture. The profits go to Eco Power's investors. The substation on Brome Avenue will connect this project directly to the national transmission network —for export. Questionable private investors should have no place in our national infrastructure, and areas with solar should have subsidised energy bills.

The proposal also includes large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) —a technology with a documented fire risk that deserves serious scrutiny before it is sited near homes.

Solar panels do not just affect people on the ground —there is a documented safety hazard to aircraft and pilots, and two of America's most strategically important air bases are right here in Suffolk.  Aircraft often fly low in the area. The US FAA formally recognises the PVI hazard and mandates SGHAT assessment near airports. UK planning precedent: applications have been refused or required redesign on glint and glare grounds, with planning inspectors upholding MOD/CAA objections on appeal. This area should be considered applicable for this assessment.

There is also the PVHI effect - Solar panels can contribute to the photovoltaic heat island (PVHI) effect by absorbing sunlight and trapping heat, slightly warming nearby areas… by up to +4 Celsius. Given Suffolk recorded some of the highest temperatures this summer, this type of warming so close to a town is unacceptable. It will impact wildlife, and potentially ancient trees.

Over 90% of the proposed footprint is Grade 2 / Grade 3a —Best and Most Versatile (BMV)agricultural 
land. This grading should mean the land is not suitable for development. 890 hectares currently produces an estimated 5,000–7,000 tonnes of wheat equivalent per year—food for tens of thousands of people. The UK produces only 60% of its own food needs (Defra, 2023) - every acre of prime farmland lost heightens food insecurity.

Village roads and bridges across Suffolk are narrow, winding, old, and protected by Traffic Regulation Orders — many capped at just 7.5 tonnes. Transformer deliveries (100–200+ tonnes) require Abnormal Indivisible Load permits, specialist routing, road strengthening, and bridge surveys. There will be road damage, noise, dust, and HGV safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists throughout a construction phase that could last years. Given the weight risks and level of disruption in an already traffic-stressed town, these plans should be rejected.

While renewable energy is crucial for a sustainable future, it must be implemented with care and consideration for the landscapes and communities it affects. There are alternatives, such as utilising brownfield sites or roof-mounted installations, that do not come at the expense of areas rich in heritage. New technologies will become available, and solar could soon become outdated and unnecessary - but only if there is effort to instil joined up and lateral long term thinking.

The picturesque landscape of Suffolk contributes not only to our local economy through agriculture but also through tourism. Visitors come to enjoy the quintessential English countryside, and this influx supports local businesses. If these lands are covered in solar panels, we risk losing not just our history but an economic lifeline. 'Area 2' of the current proposals will be seen from Eye castle. This is a heritage view and must not be altered.

We urge our Government and relevant decision makers to take into consideration all points raised in this petition, and explore sustainable alternatives that protect both our environment and our historical legacy.

By signing this petition, you can help preserve the essence of Suffolk for future generations.

Join EYE ACTION in the fight to stop this solar farm development on our cherished land. Sign, share, and let your voice be heard in defence of our history and community. Every signature sends a powerful message — that our past matters, and so does our future.