A new solar array at an east Suffolk farm - which is set to save the same amount of carbon as more than 2,223 trees - has been given the go-ahead.

A design and access statement for the ground mounted solar panels at Earlsway Farm at Bramfield, near Halesworth, said the panels would generate electricity which will be exported to the grid, with the aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.

Applicant Richard Synes had applied to East Suffolk Council for permission to install the renewable energy equipment on a site 465 metres to the south of the farm.

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In the statement, the applicant's agent East Green Energy said at peak capacity, the panels would generate 225.5 kilowatts (kW) of electricity.

Annually, the system is expected to produce 259.30 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity, equivalent to saving more than 2,223 trees.

The selection of the site was guided by the need to meet the manufacturer's requirements for available shade and sun and was considered appropriate because of its topography and location, while the installation would not have a detrimental visual impact on the surrounding landscape.

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The statement added: "The estimated annual electricity generation from the ground mounted solar PV system is approximately 259.30MWh/year which equates to carbon savings of up to
48.4tCO2e/year based on the reduction on reliance on the grid, which is equivalent of planting
over 2,223 trees.

"The proposal will therefore contribute towards the regional targets for renewable energy generation."

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In approving the application, the council's planners said: "The local planning authority has assessed the proposal against all material considerations including planning policies and any comments that may have been received.

"The planning application has been approved in accordance with the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework and local plan to promote the delivery of sustainable development and to approach decision taking in a positive way."