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Breckland: Protecting Our Countryside While Supporting Clean Energy

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19 Aug, 2025by Julie GibsonBreckland, Editorial, Comment and Opinion

Members of Breckland Council have unanimously voted to protect rural communities, farmland, and landscapes from the impact of vast solar projects – while recognising that proportionate, well-placed solar schemes do have an important role to play in tackling climate change.

This decision marks a significant step for Breckland: councillors are calling for a balanced approach to renewable energy – one that secures clean power for the future without sacrificing the countryside, food security, or the character of our villages.

At a meeting of Full Council (10 July), councillors supported the Save our Countryside Motion, put forward by Cllr Fabian Eagle and seconded by Cllr Lynda Turner. The motion calls for renewable energy schemes to be proportionate, carefully planned, and locally supported.

Cllr Eagle explained:
"We recognise the importance of renewable energy and the role solar farms can play. But we must make sure their locations are right for our communities – that they don’t threaten essential farmland or wildlife, and that Norfolk doesn’t end up carrying the energy burden for the rest of the country."

What this means for Breckland

The Council has agreed to:

  • Oppose very large solar farms that would harm farmland, wildlife, or local landscapes, or that don’t have community backing.
  • Support a fairer, more strategic approach to renewable energy across Norfolk, working alongside local MPs and Norfolk County Council.
  • Push for local decision-making, so that planning is based on community views rather than imposed from afar.
  • Call for investment to match Norfolk’s role in producing energy for the UK, alongside protections for our environment and countryside.
 

A balanced way forward

Breckland Council is clear: renewable energy is essential in the fight against climate change – but it must be delivered in a way that works for our communities. That means finding the right balance between generating clean power and protecting the farmland, landscapes, and rural way of life that make our district special.