South Fambridge SOLAR FARM Planning application APPROVED!

Just to keep you in the loop ....the planning application for the South Fambridge SOLAR FARM has been APPROVED.  Despite the Planning officers recommendations that this be rejected specifically in the interests of the protection of the Greenbelt and the Crouch Valley Protection belt the District Councillors have voted against the officers advice. Here is an extract of the decision notice:

"In this case and in consideration of officer advice, members came to a different view in favour of supporting
the application.  In contrast to the view of officers, members gave weight to the limitations of Grade III grazing agricultural land together with the availability to graze livestock alongside the development approved.
..... Members found also that the appearance to the development is a matter of taste and subjective in appearance...."

This Planning consent may set a precedent for this type of commercial venture for the future on this type of land in the area. If you enjoy living in this rural, natural, unspoilt setting, which has very specific Planning Policies to protect from future commercial development with very good reason please make yourself aware of how this development may sprawl and grow.

Full details of the application can be found here