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Suffolk County Council Report – Constable Division

September 2026
By Darius Laws

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Following the latest Government decision to withdraw its previous plans for Local Government
Reorganisation in Suffolk, the Conservative Group at Suffolk County Council has commented
on the continued uncertainty surrounding the future structure of local government in the county.
The decision means that the previous proposal for three new unitary councils in Suffolk is now
being reviewed, following months of work by local councils and their staff to prepare for
reorganisation. We have long argued that a single unitary council for Suffolk would be smarter,
simpler and better for residents and businesses. It is unclear if the new Secretary of State will
arrive at the same decision. This latest U-turn means more delay and uncertainty for all of us
who live and work in Suffolk, including local councils and their staff – on whom this is taking
a huge toll. My Group will continue to monitor the Government’s next steps, ensuring that the
interests of Suffolk’s residents, businesses, communities and local government staff remain at
the centre of the process. In the interim I am incredibly grateful that we have such strong Parish
Council’s, all of whom go above and beyond to help serve our villages.

Suffolk Conservatives Submit Response to EcoPower Solar Consultation: Raising
concerns over loss of farmland, battery safety, traffic, environmental impacts and the
cumulative impact of energy projects

Suffolk Conservatives have submitted their response to the Section 42 statutory consultation
on the proposed EcoPower Suffolk Solar Project, reiterating their objections to the scale and
impact of the development, arguing that the scheme would have significant consequences for
Suffolk’s farming sector, local communities, transport network, heritage assets and natural
environment. The response follows Suffolk County Council’s unanimous Cabinet decision in
July to object to the project. A key concern is the loss of productive agricultural land. The
applicant’s assessment states that around 996 hectares, representing 87% of the site, is classified
as Best and Most Versatile farmland. Conservatives argue that removing such a large area from
food production for more than 40 years is unjustified and that insufficient consideration has
been given to alternative sites on lower-quality land.

We have raised concerns about the proposed battery energy storage facilities, particularly
where they would be located within drinking water source protection zones. Conservatives are
calling for battery storage locations to be reconsidered and for robust fire safety measures,
water containment arrangements and emergency response requirements to be secured before
any consent is granted. Traffic and access remain major issues. The response highlights
concerns about the use of rural roads during construction and the impact of increased heavy
goods vehicle movements on local communities, schools and infrastructure. Conservatives are
calling for alternative access arrangements to be fully assessed to minimise disruption and
improve safety. The submission also identifies potential harm to the landscape and historic
environment. The Group is seeking stronger mitigation measures, additional planting and more
accurate visual assessments to ensure the full impact of the development is properly
understood. Environmental concerns include potential effects on protected species, the absence
of a published biodiversity net gain figure and the lack of a completed Flood Risk Assessment.

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Conservatives are calling for a commitment to at least the statutory 10% biodiversity net gain
and for all outstanding ecological and flood-risk assessments to be completed and published
before the application is submitted.

The response also highlights the cumulative impact of multiple energy projects across the area.
Conservatives argue that traffic, fire safety, landscape and community wellbeing impacts must
be assessed collectively rather than on a project-by-project basis. Our group has set out a series
of measures we believe must be addressed before the project can proceed, including protecting
high-quality farmland, resolving access and safety concerns, publishing outstanding
assessments, strengthening environmental safeguards and improving transparency around the
scale and design of the development.

More Than 140km of Suffolk Roads Treated as Surface Dressing Programme Concludes

Suffolk Highways has completed its 2026 surface dressing programme, helping to protect and
extend the life of the county’s road network. A total of 141 kilometres of road were treated
across 86 sites, covering more than 750,000 square metres, the equivalent of over 100 football
pitches. Surface dressing is a cost-effective and sustainable way of maintaining roads. By
sealing the surface, restoring skid resistance and preventing water damage, it extends road life
and reduces the need for more expensive repairs.

This year’s programme also included trials of new technology and communication methods.
Variable Message Signs were used at busier sites to provide advance warning and real-time
information to road users, while a new product, Lockchip, was trialled to help reduce loose
chippings following treatment. Both initiatives proved successful and will help inform future
highway maintenance programmes. The 2026 programme ran between June and August and
has now been completed across Suffolk.

As ever to report a road defect please report via: suffolk.gov.uk/roads-and-
transport/highway-maintenance/report-a-highways-issue

If there is an emergency such as a tree blocking a road call: 0345 606 6171

Energy Efficiency Loans Available for Suffolk Homeowners

Homeowners across Suffolk can now access low-interest loans to help fund energy efficiency
improvements through a partnership between Suffolk County Council and Lendology.

The Warm Homes Suffolk Loan scheme offers eligible homeowners loans of between £2,000
and £15,000 at a fixed rate of 2.2% APR, with repayment terms of up to seven years and the
option to repay early without penalty, subject to terms and conditions. The scheme is designed
to help residents improve their home’s energy efficiency while spreading the cost of installation
over affordable monthly repayments. Funding can be used for a range of measures, including:

• Solar panels and battery storage
• Solar thermal systems
• Air and ground source heat pumps
• Double and triple glazing
• Loft, wall and floor insulation etc.

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Energy efficiency improvements can help reduce energy bills, create warmer and more
comfortable homes, and support residents’ health and wellbeing, particularly during the winter
months. For more information or to apply, visit: lendology.org.uk/partner/suffolk-council/

Fancy test driving an EV or E bike?

Families across Suffolk are invited to Suffolk in Motion on Saturday 10 October, from 10am
to 3pm at the London Road (Copdock) Park and Ride.

Organised by Suffolk County Council in partnership with Believ and Urban Fox, the event will
showcase sustainable, affordable and practical travel options available across the county.
Visitors can enjoy a range of free activities and demonstrations, including:

• Balance bikes for young children
• Free pre-bookable bike health checks
• E-bike trials
• Electric vehicle displays and test drives
• Details of local pay-as-you-go electric car clubs etc

Everyone attending will also be entered into a free prize draw, with prizes including a signed
Ipswich Town FC shirt and afternoon tea for two.
The event aims to help residents explore travel options that could save money, improve
wellbeing and support more sustainable journeys. Free tickets and further information are
available via the: www.ticketsource.com/suffolk-in-motion

Miscellaneous & Contact details:

Finally, thank you for taking the time to read this.

Alongside dealing with day-to-day casework and helping residents find the right support, it is
perhaps worth noting that councillors don’t have a magic wand and we are all trying our best
to ensure value-for-money from our taxes. The moving of goalposts for Local Government
Reform is unsettling for some and creates uncertainty, so I really do hope clarity emerges soon,
enabling professional officers and councillors the stability required to be efficient and effective.

You can email me on darius.laws@suffolk.gov.uk and I use WhatsApp: 07786 007 560