Farming couple distraught as huge solar development to 'cut their farm in two'

A Norfolk dairy farming couple are left distraught as plans for a massive solar energy project will "cut their farm in two", blocking their cattle from the majority of their land for up to two years.

Rebecca and Stuart Mayhew, who operate Old Hall Farm in Woodton near Bungay, say the proposed cable corridor for the East Pye Solar development would prevent their 300-strong cattle herd from reaching 80 per cent of available grazing land.

Mrs Mayhew said. "The proposed cable corridor would leave us with access to less than 100 acres out of 500."

The land, stretching a kilometre with a 50-metre working width, would need to be fenced off during construction, she explained.

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Mrs Mayhew dismissed suggestions from land agents that the animals could simply be housed indoors during the construction period.

"Our cattle are used to being out, and our sheep are used to being out. If you try and keep them in, it's completely unnatural, and they would end up being being ill," she said.

The farmer highlighted the significant financial implications they also now face, noting that one affected field alone contains roughly 16 paddocks that could be inaccessible for up to two years, with each paddock generating approximately £1,500 in milk value.

Beyond production losses, the Mayhews remain uncertain whether adequate compensation will be offered for disruption to their farming business, which also includes a restaurant and farm shop.

"We don't know the extent to which they will be able to compensate for that," Mrs Mayhew added.

The East Pye Solar scheme encompasses 2,718 acres spread across 10 separate sites in the area between Norwich and Harleston, and has generated major opposition.

A public consultation attracted more than 2,000 responses, with the overwhelming majority voicing objections to the proposals, raising widespread alarm about losing productive agricultural land and damaging rural landscapes.

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Mrs Mayhew expressed frustration at the lack of choice facing affected landowners, noting that developers can compulsorily acquire land if voluntary agreements cannot be reached.

"It's completely non-consensual, and they don't know the answers," she said.

Environmental concerns were also raised at consultation, with Mrs Mayhew highlighting potential harm to protected species of newts and butterflies present on the farm.

Despite her opposition to the current scheme, Mrs Mayhew stressed she was not fundamentally against solar energy, simply describing the project as "very poorly planned".

The farmer argued that removing productive farmland from agriculture requires quality of service to justify the decision.

An East Pye Solar spokesman said the company continues working with affected landowners to understand their operational needs and minimise disruption, with agents exploring practical solutions including fencing, livestock crossing points and temporary water supplies.

The spokesman added that agricultural and ecological impacts are being assessed through the Development Consent Order process, with mitigation measures identified where necessary.

Given its scale, East Pye Solar has been classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning the final decision rests with net zero secretary Ed Miliband, rather than local planning authorities.

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