Stop Grove Solar Farm
UPDATE: PLEASE OBJECT AGAIN!
Further objections to be submitted by 6th September
Please read below for the KEY POINT to make.
Update following applicant's response to the consulation
This is an update following the applicant's response (9.7.24) to the consultation.
FURTHER OBJECTIONS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED BEFORE THE 6TH SEPTEMBER.
Having reviewed the Developer's latest submissions, it is clear they have taken negligible notice of our numerous points of objection and have made almost no concessions to concerns raised. What is particularly evident is that the applicant was not aware that the proposed area for the Grove Farm Solar Development lies within a Valued Landscape Area, which is now expressly identified in the Babergh Local Plan. This is a significant point and one, we believe, should be the focal point for all subsequent objections in order to highlight the fact that the proposed area for solar development should have never been considered in the first place due to the unique and extremely special landscape setting, which is enjoyed by so many local people and visitors to our area.
The specific point relates to Policy LP18(3) of the Babergh Local Plan and this engages Paragraph 180(a) of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework), which states that:
‘Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: a) protecting and enhancing valued landscapes … (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan)’
Our opinion, and one that we hope you share, is that 100,000 solar panels, inverters and two substations, surrounded by miles of security fencing and CCTV cameras would completely ruin this valued landscape and it is completely implausible - in fact, absurd - to present this development as 'protecting and enhancing' this historic and unique part of Bentley.
We would urge you to object on this point by 6TH SEPTEMBER and persuade any friends and family who value this special part of Bentley to do the same.
How to object? You can object in the same way as before which is to submit a 'Comment' online within the comments section. If you are already registered on the Babergh Website you should be able to login and go straight to the planning application DC/23/05656.
If not registered, go to: https://planning.baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk/online-applications then search: DC/23/05656.
Further useful information:
If you would like to read the Applicant's Response, go onto: https://planning.baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk/online-applications then search: DC/23/05656 then click on the 'Documents' tab where you will see a list of documents underneath. Search for the Document submitted by the Applicant on 09 Jul 2024 where you can read their full response.
You can also reference page 18 which identifies the special landscape qualities within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Additional Project Area Valued by clicking here.
What is the proposal?
Green Switch Capital have proposed a 116 acre solar farm at Grove Farm, Bentley. The planning application is DC/23/05656 and has been submitted to Babergh Council with all public comments (objections) required by Wednesday 31st January
The proposed site's location is just north of the village of Bentley (see maps on left) and borders popular local footpaths and public rights of way, ancient woodland to the north and close proximity to St.Mary's Church Grade II* listed building to the east.
You can see the full proposal by the developer on Babergh's website, there is a link here, or there are also a summary of the main aspects of the proposed application taken from the public meeting held on 11th January 2024, there is a link here.
Stop Grove Solar Farm Bentley has been created by concerned locals. We are not against renewables - in the right place. We believe solar panels should be erected on brownfield sites, industrial buildings and made mandatory on new residential builds. Green Switch Capital should not be destroying our countryside, and historical heritage sites, to facilitate these industrial units.
We hope you find the website useful as a source of information as well as hopefully forwarding it on to friends and relatives who would also like to protect this very special, and historic, part of Suffolk. Your help in raising awareness and submitting objections within the deadline would be greatly appreciated.
Object Now! Please ask everyone in your household to object
