Solar Farm Decision Deferred - but the fight continues

Villagers fill the public gallery

Over 60 residents attended the Planning Committee meeting on Tue 22^nd Jan. A packed public gallery heard the committee vote to defer the decision on the application until the next meeting on Tue 19^th February. The reason for the deferral is that the planners have failed to consult Sport England. Sport England is a statutory consultee where there is a development which is likely to prejudice the use of a playing field. Sport England will now be consulted and we are hopeful that they will properly address the concerns of the cricketers whose objections we feel have been ignored by HBBC.

A week prior to this, the planning officers report to the Planning Committee recommended approval of the application. Our concerns about visual impact and change in character of the area have been ignored, with the planning officer making statements such as “… there are not considered to be any adverse impacts arising from the siting of the development on either the character of the surrounding countryside or landscape, or in terms of visual amenity…”. We think this is outrageous and we are not taking it lying down. We have paid for professional advice from a planning consultancy and they have written on our behalf addressing flaws in the planning officer’s report. The letter was sent on 17^th Jan and we are still awaiting a response.

There have been many further changes to the application over the past few weeks. You will find these on HBBCs planning portal.

·         A second flood risk assessment has been submitted by Freetricity – this has been rejected by the Environment Agency.

·         There are revised planting proposals. We still say these will not work and will do little to mitigate the impact.

·         The oak tree is now to be retained. However the number of solar panels has grown to 7870 we are not sure where the extra panels are located.

We are not being consulted on any of these changes as the deadline for comments has passed. We are saying this is not right; screening and landscaping is a material concern and should be subject to public consultation and scrutiny.

So mixed news really, but we are convinced of our objection case and we are buoyed by the massive support from the community - so the fight goes on. We are regrouping to consider our next steps.

Inside the Stoker you will find an article on how the community has pulled together to oppose the solar farm.

Thank you for your continued support