Villagers gather for walk against solar farm plans

About 150 people have staged a protest walk against plans for an "enormous" solar farm.

East Pye Solar would see the installation of solar panels on farmland in south Norfolk - including in Brooke, near Norwich - to generate power for 115,000 homes.

Annetta Berry from the Block East Pye Solar Action Group said: "We do not need these enormous solar projects impacting farmland, food security, wildlife, communities and our heritage."

Energy company Island Green Power has claimed the site will create jobs and help the UK meet climate change targets.

Ms Berry added: "We've seen a glut of these speculative projects to create these enormous schemes on farmland."

Joining her on the walk were the Humphrey family, who said their house was due to be surrounded on three sides by solar panels, 3.5m (11ft 6in) high.

"It's going to destroy our house value, destroy our enjoyment of our property and the kids' enjoyment of the countryside, which is what we bought the house for," Chris Humphrey said.

"When I found out I was devastated, we'd only been in the house 18 months - it's just gut-wrenching.

"I'm completely for solar panels, we have them on our roof, but it has to be on rooftops and not on fields."

The solar farm and battery project would span 2,700 acres (1,092 hectares) and affect 26 villages including Saxlingham Nethergate, Shotesham, Brooke, Woodton, Hempnall and Great Moulton.

Island Green Power said East Pye Solar would boost Norfolk's emerging renewable energy industry and secure clean, affordable energy.

The scheme would also provide investment and job opportunities and enhance local wildlife by "delivering a net gain in biodiversity", it added.

A decision on whether the project can go ahead will be determined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, due to its size.

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