Ben Robinson

South Norfolk Council officials have recommended approval of a 72-acre solar farm near Yelverton, six miles from Norwich, featuring nearly 500 panels beside an existing installation. The project would add to a growing concentration of solar farms, battery-storage sites and other renewable-energy developments in the Tas Valley, including the proposed East Pye scheme. Council officials say the development would help meet the government’s net-zero-by-2050 target, but Yelverton’s parish council, Lord John Fuller and other residents oppose it, citing landscape damage and arguing that more suitable sites should be considered.

Norfolk County Council plans to expand Salhouse Primary School by adding a building for 60 pupils, but residents oppose the proposal because school-run traffic, inconsiderate parking and alleged abuse have already created dangerous conditions on Cheyney Avenue and nearby roads. Councillor Fran Whymark described the parking as chaotic and warned that the problem could worsen with two additional classes. The council says the plans include seven extra on-site spaces, proposed off-site parking arrangements and possible double yellow lines to reduce congestion.

South Norfolk Council has approved a battery storage facility on farmland at Bracon Ash, the 19th renewable energy project built or planned in an area dubbed “solar valley.” The scheme will install 94 three-metre-high units on Wymondham Road, take 12 months to construct and operate for 35 years. Supporters cite the role of storage in balancing the electricity grid and advancing the UK’s target of net zero emissions by 2050, while local parish councillors and residents object to the landscape impact and loss of farmland. Norfolk Wildlife Trust has also warned of potential grassland loss and water-quality effects at nearby Flordon Meadow. A proposed pylon route between Norwich and London would pass about 700 metres from the site.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council rejected plans for nine homes on Portland Lane near Great Yarmouth Port because residents could be exposed to noise from forklifts, grinders and hand tools at the adjacent Seatrax UK Ltd workshops. Seatrax opposed the proposal, citing concerns for residents’ welfare and its working environment. Officials also said the port district is strategically important for the town’s economy and that replacing potential business use with housing could harm future job prospects.

Residents of Mulbarton have complained that around 20 peafowl owned by retired judge Alan Steynor create excessive noise, damage gardens and wander through public areas, including the local primary school. South Norfolk Council is investigating whether the disturbance meets the legal threshold for a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. While some residents report being woken from as early as 3am, others value the birds as a longstanding feature of the village. If the noise is deemed excessive, the council could issue an abatement notice requiring Steynor to reduce it.

Lidl has submitted plans to Great Yarmouth Borough Council for a supermarket on the corner of Beaufort Way and Hodds Lane in Gorleston, on land where Sainsbury's previously abandoned plans for a store. Lidl says the project could create 40 jobs and support local economic growth. The proposed store would operate from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays. It would be located about half a mile from a planned 446-home housing development approved by councillors earlier in the year.

Rioja Estates and Willmott Dixon Developments have submitted plans for a £150 million redevelopment of Great Yarmouth’s North Quay. The scheme would include a 70-store retail outlet centre, restaurants and coffee shops, a 120-room hotel, an IMAX cinema, a car park, padel courts and up to 60 homes. It is expected to create more than 1,200 permanent jobs and 500 construction jobs, attract two million visitors annually and receive £20 million from the government’s levelling-up fund. The proposals also include improvements to Vauxhall Bridge, walking and cycling connections, the waterfront and nearby station capacity, while preserving listed buildings. A planning decision is expected by early 2027, with opening targeted for 2030 if approved.

Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner Colin Sutton declined repeated requests from the Eastern Daily Press to comment on violent protests in Thetford, including attacks that injured two Norfolk Constabulary officers. Sutton instead condemned the violence in a statement issued through the PA News Agency, while defending residents’ right to peaceful protest. The newspaper’s editorial criticizes Sutton’s refusal to engage, describes attacks on communities and an EDP reporter, and argues that elected officials must accept independent scrutiny and uphold accountability.

Labour MP Terry Jermy condemned violent protests in Thetford targeting properties believed to house asylum seekers, including masked men storming a home, attacks on windows and intimidation of residents. He said mob rule and vigilantism were unacceptable while acknowledging concerns about plans to accommodate asylum seekers at RAF Barnham. The Eastern Daily Press also condemned the disorder, reported that one of its journalists was assaulted and threatened, and criticized Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner Colin Sutton for refusing to engage with the newspaper.

Breckland Council approved a 236-acre solar farm between Beeston and Gressenhall near Dereham by seven votes to three. The developer says the 40-year project will provide a £10,000 annual community benefit fund and generate enough electricity for 18,000 homes, but councillor Michael Westman questioned the value to the two affected communities. The scheme adds to several large solar farms, battery storage sites and associated infrastructure planned across Norfolk, while larger projects await decisions by Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.