A solar farm believed to be the UK’s largest could be built in south Norfolk.

The new project, proposed to be built between Long Stratton and Diss in Norfolk, could produce around 900 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 400,000 homes.

Energy companies RPC and Elmya have applied for permission to connect the installation to the national grid near the village of Gissing, but have not yet revealed where the solar panels would be located.

A spokeswoman for the companies said: “RPC and Elmya Energy are exploring sites in the area, but not in Gissing, and no planning permission applications have been submitted.”

The largest solar farm planned in Norfolk so far could be at High Grove, near Dereham, and is expected to span 4,000 acres (1,618 hectares) and could produce around 720 megawatts.

THE Local democracy information service (LDRS) said that in recent weeks plans for several solar farms in Norfolk have emerged as the Government attempts to meet net zero emissions targets.

Knowing that the High Grove proposal could produce 720 megawatts of electricity and span approximately 4,000 acres, LDRS estimates the new farm could span approximately 5,000 acres.

These include proposals for East Pye near Long Stratton with a 2,700 acre site around several villages, High Grove with a 4,000 acre site and the Droves, which would extend to 2,800 acres on a site adjacent.

The UK’s current largest solar farm is Shotwick Solar Farm in Flintshirein Wales, which can produce 72.2 megawatts of electricity and covers 250 acres.

The decision on the future of the proposals will rest with Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, who has already declared his intention to advance onshore wind farms and solar farms across the country.

Previously, people had raised concerns about solar farms in the region, including loss of agricultural land, implications for food security, concerns about the cost and effectiveness of the projects and the impact on rural landscapes.

Kay Mason Billig, Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, said the government was “disregarding local views” and claimed the county was “under attack” by the solar industry.

The proposed project near Gissing was revealed after energy companies applied for permission for a new connection to the national grid, which was included in the Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) register.

A spokeswoman for the companies said: “We will be in contact with local communities to carry out consultations if the exploration results in a planning application. »