Calls for Mid Suffolk Council to block Burstall solar farm

Burstall Parish Council has raised concerns over cross-boundary plans that were originally submitted to Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils in December 2020 for the installation of a solar farm on land south of Church Farm in Somersham and east of the channel in Burstall.

The plans were approved by Babergh District Council in February this year, but were refused by Mid Suffolk District Council, prompting applicant Bramford Green Limited to appeal the refusal. 

Church Hill in Burstall, where the solar farm would be accessed (Image: Google maps)

A new Free Go application was submitted in May which council officers have recommended for approval. 

Burstall parish councillor Samantha Main said she believes the application goes against the Local Development Plan for the area and has called for an end to the proposals.

"The issues with the actual solar farm itself is that it is on high grade agricultural land in a designated special landscape area. It's a high value landscape and should be protected under the local plan," she said.

"We would prefer to see it used for agriculture and towards our food sufficency. We would rather see solar panels on roofs and properties in the built up areas."

READ MORE: Controversial solar panel site approved in Babergh

A complaint against the Babergh approval of the plans has been lodged with a local government ombudsman, after Cllr Main said the policies were misinterpreted to fit approval. 

She said the public consultation for the proposals is due to end on Friday, June 23, but the decision on the future of the project could be made on Wednesday, meaning the consultation period will not be over. 

"By trying to push the Free Go application before the appeal it is almost like they are trying to be their own appeal process and trying to force the Free Go appeal before public consultation ends is undemocratic, whatever way you look at it," she said. 

The only route the parish council could take to appeal the decisions, Cllr Main said, would be in the High Court and could cost around £50,000, an impossible sum for them to cover.

The application would see the site undergo a 40-year change of use from agriculture to solar farm, and after this the site will be reinstated as farmland.

There would also be the potential for low intensity sheep grazing amongst the solar arrays.

In a planning statement, the applicant said: "There is an urgent requirement for the proposed development; it is entirely suitable to the site and its surroundings; it accords with national and local planning policy and all relevant material planning considerations; and will deliver significant environmental benefits."

A spokesperson for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils said: “Babergh District Council’s planning committee approved this development in February. 

"We are not aware of Burstall Parish Council having lodged any formal challenge to that decision, however we are aware of their concerns and both officers and councillors continue to meet and talk with them to explain the legal position in relation to this application.

"The report and recommendation are publicly available on our website and we are unable to make any further comment while it remains under consideration.

“We have taken legal counsel throughout this process and can reassure residents that the correct processes have been followed throughout. Even if tomorrow’s committee is minded to recommend approval, the Chief Planning Officer will consider all and any feedback received up to the end of the consultation period before any final decision is reached."