Introduction
Overwhelming local opposition to the proposed solar farm led to the creation of the Save Grays Lane Campaign (SGLC) to help the local community oppose the construction of a solar farm on private land either side of Grays Lane in the Parish of Wissett.
Since October 2021 the SGLC has worked with neighbouring parishes, and many other parties interested, in trying to stop what is seen as a grotesque and wholly unnecessary development. There are already five times the number of applications for solar farms in preparation than are required to meet national targets. Objectors have provided evidence-based arguments to show that the development is therefore unnecessary, in the wrong place and contrary to local and national planning policy guidance.
Despite these arguments over the last three years, the Planning Department of East Suffolk Council recommended granting planning permission and this was agreed by Councillors at the Planning Committee North meeting on 11 February 2025.
The SGLC has explored options to challenge this decision and in particular the possibility of applying for Judicial Review. This is not feasible at the moment but will be kept under review. A more detailed account of the Judicial Review option is available on the Latest News page.
Villagers of Wissett now face the prospect of major disruption to their lives due to the detrimental impact on the local environment, their local amenity and safety for more than a generation.
As the landowner already has agreement to lease further land in Wissett from Bulhams up to Rumburgh Street, the adverse impact on local people is now likely spread further.
The Planning Department of East Suffolk Council have imposed 28 conditions on the developer PACE as mitigation for the impact of this development – these can be seen on the Planning Decision and Conditions page. The SGLC will aim to ensure that these conditions are discharged exactly and will challenge any infringement.
Objectors’ detailed arguments can be read on the Objections to the Planning Application page and updates will appear in due course on the Latest News Page
