Thank you for your continued interest in the “Help Stop Thrift Solar Farm” campaign. There has been a lot of activity over recent weeks, including:

1. We have lodged a “Heritage“ report with EFDC. This has been produced by independent experts, and focuses on the very material impact that the scheme would have on a large number of “heritage assets” (including listed buildings and national monuments) which are close to the site of the proposed solar farm.

2. We have lodged a “Landscape“ report with EFDC, produced by an independent landscape architect who has been closely involved in a number of solar schemes across the country.

The report outlines a series of arguments and concerns, including from a Greenbelt perspective.

3. We continue to speak to our legal and planning advisors, and are ready to engage with the detailed planning process whenever that becomes necessary.

4. ⁠We continue to engage with our local MP, Alex Burghart, who is clear in his opposition to the scheme.

At the time of writing we still have no visibility as to the timeframe on which the EFDC planning dept will formally consider the application, but we will keep you posted as and when more information emerges so that we can come together to best effect.

Please do note that it is not too late to lodge objections at EFDC. If you would like to make representations to the council please email appcomment@eppingforestdc.gov.uk  adding the reference EPF 1216/25 and your name and address.

We are delighted that more than 2600 people have supported our petition so far. Please continue to share it with your friends and family as the growing support is a real encouragement to the residents group striving to protect this special part of the Essex countryside.

As soon as we have further information from the Council regarding the planning process we will be in touch, but for now thank you again for all of your support and encouragement.