Developer Appeals To Planning Inspectorate

Thanks to the amazing support of local residents, the Thrift Solar scheme was refused planning permission by the local planning authority in January this year.  However, the fight isn’t over: the developer appealed the council’s decision, and the appeal will be heard at a public inquiry at the EFDC offices from 2  - 10 March 2027. 

The Stapleford Tawney residents’ group remains strongly opposed to the scheme.  EFDC will defend its reasons for refusing the application but will not address the many robust reasons presented by our group. For this reason, we are applying to participate in the public inquiry so we can present our own case.

The developer has notified the council of the potential routes for connecting the solar scheme to the substation in Thornwood.  It is clear this work will cause significant disruption between Tawney Common and Epping.  We urge all residents who could be affected to submit comments to the planning inspector about the disruption this will cause on already heavily congested routes.

What can you do to help? 

·       Reinforce your objection by sending your comments directly to the planning inspector using the QR Code below, or at the following web address: https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/enter-appeal-reference The appeal reference number is 6013202

·       Donate anything you can to help cover the estimated £100,000 professional fees involved in the group’s direct representation at the appeal by emailing ken.mason@icloud.com or using the donate QR code on the back page.

·       Show your support: attend the public inquiry at EFDC’s offices on 2 - 10 March 2027

For comments to be effective they should be in your own words and focus on relevant planning issues (see below), and where possible refer to relevant planning policies.  

•        Negative impact on the openness of the Green Belt  and the area’s rural character, reducing its appeal to its many weekly visitors.

•        Harm to the setting of listed buildings and heritage assets such as the Doghouse pub and the other listed building close to the scheme.

•        Disruption from grid connection works on heavily congested roads around Epping.