A Suffolk MP has hit out at the plans to build the UK's largest solar farm in villages in Suffolk after the decision has once again been delayed.

Secretary of State James Cleverly has confirmed that a decision for the 2,500-acre Sunnica Energy Farm development, that was due to be made on Thursday, has now been delayed until a new deadline can be set.

The decision on the application, by Sunnica Limited, is to be made by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and was previously due to be decided in September.

The plans would see the farm built across the border between east Cambridgeshire and west Suffolk, including in Mildenhall, West Row, Freckenham and Worlington.

A statement confirming the new deadline for a decision will be made to the House of Commons and House of Lords "as soon as possible", in accordance with section 107(7) of the Planning Act 2008.

Following the announcement, the MP for West Suffolk, Matt Hancock, who has opposed the plans since the beginning, said: "This decision shouldn't have been delayed - it should have been rejected, and the huge worry for local residents finally put to rest. 

"I am a strong supporter of solar energy. Many solar farm projects, when appropriately located and with community support, contribute positively to our energy landscape.

"However, the Sunnica development is in completely the wrong location. It will turn our beautiful Suffolk villages into industrial zones. Worse, the battery storage outside local villages is dangerous and no assurances have been given about how a catastrophic fire would be dealt weliith to protect people. 

"Sunnica's current proposal is not only dangerous but it's undermining support for renewables, and it needs to go back to the drawing board.

"I have long argued that the Sunnica proposal should be rejected and I will continue to do so."

A spokesman for Sunnica previously said: "The UK needs to double the amount of renewable energy it generates by 2050.

"Sunnica would make a significant contribution to this goal. We will continue to work with the Secretary of State to provide them with any information they require to determine our DCO application."