Controversial plans for a 230-acre solar farm on prime Norfolk farmland are set to be decided by councillors this week.
If approved by Broadland's planning committee, the sprawling proposal would cover the equivalent of more than 130 football pitches on land off Aylsham Road in Cawston.
The application, submitted by renewable energy company Exagen Development Ltd, proposes a 25MW ground-mounted solar array alongside a 10MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
The scheme would operate for 40 years before being decommissioned, with planners recommending permission is granted subject to 23 conditions.
The development site in Cawston (Image: Google Maps)
The development, first lodged in May, has triggered objections from 25 locals, Cawston Parish Council, and district and county councillors.
Much of the criticism focuses on the use of high-quality agricultural land, with more than 95pc of the 93-hectare site classified as 'best and most versatile' farmland.
This has prompted concerns over food security and the industrialisation of rural Norfolk.
The application follows a series of controversial proposals for huge solar farms in recent months, covering thousands of acres of agricultural fields across the county.
The development site in Cawston (Image: Google Maps)
Planning officers say the solar farm would offset the annual electricity usage of about 13,900 homes and cut carbon emissions by an estimated 6,871 tonnes per year - benefits they say align with national policy and the UK's legally binding net-zero targets.
Critics point out, however, that they require back-up power due to the intermittent nature of sunlight.
Broadland councillors will cast their vote on the application at a planning meeting on Wednesday, December 3.