The Planning Inspectorate could take the unusual step of visiting people’s homes as part of its examination of the huge East Pye solar farm proposal.
Hearings deciding the future of the project, which will stretch across 2,700 acres of South Norfolk countryside, began at Dunston Hall on Tuesday.
David Cliff, the inspector, outlined the next phase of the scheme, which includes extensive examination of the proposals, further hearings and site visits.
The visits are designed to help inspectors understand the site's location, its impact on nearby locals and concerns raised during the examination.
They are normally carried out around the sites themselves, either unaccompanied on public rights of way or on accompanied trips with the landowners.
But Mr Cliff told those attending the preliminary hearing on Tuesday morning that the site visits for the East Pye scheme may extend to visiting residential properties.
Several locals who could be affected by the solar panels, substations and battery storage sites have asked inspectors to visit their homes.
Victoria Chandler, a parish councillor for Morningthorpe and Fritton, said inspectors should consider properties near to site five - based at the edge of the two villages - for the project.
She said the inspectors need to understand the proximity, scale and visual relationship the infrastructure will have.
Another local who asked for a visit said: “I would request that the examining authority visit our home in Great Moulton to understand the devastating effect the proposed, large National Grid substation and East Pye solar park would have on our lives and wellbeing.
“The constant noise, lighting and size of this substation, plus the vast area of solar panels, will totally destroy our peaceful, green, wildlife haven.”
The owners of the Old Rectory – which was designed by celebrated architect Sir John Soane – in Saxlingham Nethergate have also requested a visit so the inspector can consider the effect it could have on the Grade II* listed home.
