A Suffolk MP has called the decision to approve plans for a huge solar farm on the Suffolk-Cambridgeshire border "an insult to all the communities it affects".
The controversial Sunnica Energy Farm plans will see a 2,500-acre development built across the border between east Cambridgeshire and west Suffolk, including in Mildenhall, West Row, Freckenham and Worlington.
The previous government had put off making a decision on the plan five times - but new Energy Secretary Ed Miliband took just seven days to give it the go-ahead.
Now, newly-elected West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy, who replaced former MP Matt Hancock who strongly objected to the plans, has voiced his disappointment over the decision.
Former West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock previously led protests against the project (Image: Newsquest)
Taking to social media, Mr Timothy wrote: "The decision by Ed Miliband to grant a Development Consent Order for the giant Sunnica solar and battery farm is appalling and an insult to all the communities it affects."
He continued: "Miliband’s decision – ignoring the recommendations of the Examining Authority after only a week in office, having supposedly considered 1360 representations – reflects a blatant disregard for the evidence, the process, and simple reason.
"The representations he has rejected included opposition from all the relevant local authorities, and the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, which raised concerns about the safety of the battery energy storage system, which can catch fire because of thermal runaway.
"Since becoming the Conservative candidate last July I have given Say No To Sunnica my full support and I will continue to do so as the local MP.
"We will consider the options available to us."
Last week, the cabinet member for planning at West Suffolk Council said he is disappointed at the decision and Suffolk County Council described it as a huge blow to the communities which had campaigned against it.
Sunnica welcomed the news and published a statement saying: "Sunnica is immensely pleased with the decision by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to grant development consent for Sunnica Energy Farm.
"Sunnica would make a nationally significant contribution towards the UK’s legal obligation to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and its ongoing energy security.
"This important milestone and the decision by the Secretary of State has come after many months of intense scrutiny and robust engagement with the planning process, and wider public consultations.
"We will now move forward towards the implementation phase, ultimately allowing us to create clean renewable energy for the UK, and look forward to meeting with local authorities and the wider community to plan the next steps."
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