I was disappointed to learn that the application for the installation and operation of Duxhurst Solar Farm was granted following a planning committee meeting on the 13th December 2023. Neither myself nor other interested parties such as the Parish Council and affected local residents were informed that the application would be considered at this meeting where I would have reiterated formally my objection.
I note a formal complaint has been submitted and an investigation will follow. I understand it cannot change the outcome. I regret that councillors came to a different view from me on the merits of the application, but with their detailed consideration and with the benefit of council officials advice, they reached a positive conclusion. That is what local democracy is for and it is councillors’ decisions on planning that should be the driving force of our planning system set against national planning policy. It is therefore necessary to accept this decision and trust that the implementation of this solar farm does not result in the fears of the objectors being realised.