An adapted application to build a solar farm has been prosed despite nearly 100 people objecting to the initial proposal a few miles from Hadleigh.

Renewable energy generator Statkraft have applied for a change of use from agricultural land to solar farm and construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic development with a capacity of up to 49.9MW with associated grid connection cable route, infrastructure and planting land north of Tye Lane in Bramford.

Mid-Suffolk planners received 98 objections from residents in the nearby villages to the original application, while the Suffolk Preservation Society and the Woodland Trust have also spoken of the reasons why they are against the proposal.

The Woodland Trust is concerned about the negative impact it would have on Millers Wood and said in a statement they objected: "On the basis of damage and direct loss to Miller's Wood, a woodland designated as ancient semi-natural woodland on Natural England's Ancient Woodland Inventory."

Most of the letters are from villagers living between Bramford and Hadleigh including Elmsett, Chattisham, Burstall, Flowton, Somersham, and Bramford.

Their arguments against the plans include the impact on wildlife, too many solar panels in the area, the loss of prime agricultural land.

Statkraft claimed the proposed 29MVA solar farm with up to 104MW of battery storage which would generate more than 41 gigawatt hours of electricity each year. This could power around 9,200 homes.

A statement on their website said: "This site has been carefully chosen for its potential to deliver solar-powered electricity to the grid, helping meet regional and national renewable energy targets.

"Throughout 2021, we sought feedback on our initial proposal from local residents and communities. Based on this feedback, we have reduced the area of solar panels, removed a proposed access route on Tye Lane and located electric equipment and batteries closed to the Bramford substation.

"To help local biodiversity and wildlife, we are proposing to create a new community orchard and have created habitat and ecology plans for the site. We will also be adding new plants and trees."

The application can be found on Babergh and Mid Suffolk planning pages here.