Villagers have been left disappointed after a contentious solar farm was approved following a developer appeal, with fears another nearby proposal could be given the green light as early as next week.
Cross-boundary plans 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, but were refused by Mid Suffolk District Council in February, prompting applicant Bramford Green Limited to appeal.
Mid Suffolk District Council did not wish to defend the reasons for refusal and, on August 29, the appeal was allowed by inspector Cullum Parker who also ordered the council to pay Bramford Green Limited the costs of the appeal proceedings.
The applicant also submitted a Free Go application to Mid Suffolk District Council in May, which officers recommended for approval and, on September 14, this too was given the green light.
Burstall parish councillor Samantha Main, who campaigned against the plans as she felt the land would be better used for farming to ensure future food security, said: "Obviously we are very disappointed in the decision of the appeal.
"We thought it could go either way and we were hoping he would dismiss it but he decided he was going to allow it based on the evidence he had in front of him.
"It wasn't very much evidence of course, because the council didn't defend their refusal, so we do feel let down there."
Ms Main said she is particularly angry that, since the council refused to defend its position and was ordered to pay the developer the costs of the appeal, taxpayer money could end up going towards the bill.
"It does leave a bit of a bitter taste in your mouth knowing we have been fighting this developer for almost three years and now some of our tax will paying their bills for somethig we were trying to stop," she said.
Another solar farm proposed by EDF Renewables on more than 80 hectares of land off Tye Lane in Bramford, which was considered last week and deferred for councillors to visit the site, is also causing residents concern.
Caroline Wolton, speaking on behalf of Bramford Parish Council, said while the council accepts the need for renewable energy and is pleased councillors will visit the site before deciding, they are concerned over the loss of crop fields and wildlife, the impact on the landscape and the risk to vulnerable road users, as Tye Lane is a National Cycle Route.
"It is imperative that we recognise the major impact these projects combined have on our local environment, and that sustainable energy does not come at any cost, but must be placed in an appropriate location," she said.
"Just because these fields are close to the substation making it more cost effective for the developer, does not make it the right location for a solar farm.
"There is no exceptional reason for development at this location. Cumulative impact and encroachment is of great concern and keeps being ignored."
Ms Wolton said she and other residents have seen fields at the site already being dug for gas main surveys.
"This is all premature and very disturbing to the residents, giving the feeling that we have already lost the fight to protect our land when the decsion on the application has not been decided," she said.
Mid Suffolk councillors will visit the site next week and will discuss the future of the project at a meeting on September 27.
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