Concerns arise as a local group fears the council will not fight an appeal against a rejected solar farm project.
The solar farm would cover 145 acres of farmland. It would be near the A14, between Thrapston and Bythorn. The company said it could power 15,000 homes.
The council rejected it in October 2024. They cited visual impact and habitat loss. This area is the Upper Nene Valley. Part of the access road is in Cambridgeshire.
STAUNCH says the council is backtracking. This group is “Save Titchmarsh…” They will fight the appeal themselves. They can provide evidence as a “Rule 6” party. STAUNCH claims the council will offer no evidence. The group says they lack help from council officers.
They feel left to handle the appeal alone. The council says it will cooperate with the inspectorate. It did not comment on defending its rejection. Officers had wanted the farm approved.
Officers thought the project’s benefits outweighed harm. Residents strongly objected to the solar farm. Groups must defend the council’s denial. Otherwise, the inspectorate could approve the farm. This would overturn the council’s decision.
STAUNCH’s chairman spoke to the press. He learned the council wouldn’t fight the appeal. He said this decision can’t be delegated to officers. He stated they notified the council of a potential legal review. He thinks the council keeps failing at planning matters. This damages the planning system.
He said they aren’t against renewable energy. It just needs to happen responsibly. It must allow farmland to continue to exist. The council hasn’t answered the legal review notice when published. STAUNCH says the council hasn’t responded to requests. They want the council to explain overriding power.
The chairman worries the council’s choice sets a bad example. Future planning appeals might not be defended. The council leader responded to the claims. He said the Planning Inspectorate will decide on permission.
They will hear all views and evidence. The council will cooperate fully with the inspectorate. They will work to agree on facts with main parties. This will aid the inspector’s decision. He’s aware of community feelings about the plan. They will proactively work with involved parties. They pledge to support the process.
The inquiry date is May 20. If approved, another application needs to be submitted. This second one is for the area in Huntingdonshire.