Taxpayers could have to ‘pick up tab’ for solar farm work
OUTCRY OVER IMPACT OF ‘ERROR’ IN APPROVAL OF SUNNICA PLANS
CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S councils have pointed to an ‘ error’ in the approval of the Sunnica solar development, which could leave local taxpayers out of pocket.
Cambridgeshire County Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council believe locals may have to pick up the cost of their technical and administrative work towards the solar farm. The two authorities have joined Suffolk County Council and West Suffolk Council in plans to send a legal letter expressing these concerns.
Permission for the solar farm, which will be the largest in the UK, was granted on July 12, 2024. Cambridgeshire County Council had passed a motion opposing the 2,400acre development on July 20, 2021.
Councillor Lorna Dupré, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s environment and green investment committee, said: “The prospect of this huge development is of deep concern to those of us in East Cambridgeshire.
“Furthermore, an error within the planning approval has not accounted for the extensive technical and administrative input needed from the four local authorities affected by Sunnica’s proposals.
“This means that local people could not only face development all around them but could also be asked to pick up the tab for developers’ ambitions.
“These private company plans cannot be carried out at public cost to local taxpayers.”
The development plans include ground-mounted solar panels and battery storage facilities across land near Burwell, Isleham, Chippenham, Fordham, Kennett and Snailwell in East Cambridgeshire, as well as areas of West Suffolk.
Developers have permission for a connection of up to 500MW at the Burwell National Grid Substation.
Councillor Nick Gay, vice-chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s environment and green investment committee, added: “I’m pleased to see that the new government is taking the tough choices necessary for our energy security, but we must look to see that this administrative error is corrected as soon as possible, so our officers can work effectively with Sunnica as we pursue a cleaner, greener future for everyone.”
Councillor Mark Goldsack, local member for Soham North and Isleham at Cambridgeshire County Council, described the legal challenge as a “step in the right direction” in light of “the economic, environmental and personal cost to local people”.
Councillor Josh Schumann, local member for Burwell, whose ward includes Chippenham, Fordham, Kennett, Reach, Snailwell and Swaffham Prior, said he was glad the councils were taking this action.
A statement from East Cambridgeshire District Council said: “Following the announcement by
Secretary of State Ed Miliband to grant permission for the Sunnica solar farm, East Cambridgeshire District Council has taken independent legal advice to understand the chances of success of a Judicial Review of the decision-making process.
“The district council has worked closely with Suffolk County and West Suffolk councils, both of which also took their own independent legal advice; all three legal opinions are in accordance with each other.
“The advice received by all three councils is that there is an opportunity for the councils to challenge the funding mechanism required to undertake the final stages of work. Therefore, the four affected councils, including Cambridgeshire County Council, have now written to the Secretary of State advising him of our challenge.”
Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We are shocked that the Secretary of State has given the go ahead for this massive development on food production land in rural East Cambridgeshire and the council is now facing huge increased cost in dealing with this matter, which hasn’t been taken into account in the decision.
“It is extremely disappointing that after years of making the clear case that a solar farm of this magnitude is in the wrong place and winning that argument at the hearing, the Secretary of State decided to grant a development order against the wishes of the community, the four affected councils, and against the expert advice of the Examiner.
“There is currently no direct benefit to our commu n i t i e s from this site.
“It is deemed to have a significant impact on our communities, and there are also biodiversity concerns. “Added to this, unlike other solar farms, residents will not benefit from cheaper energy, nor will the council receive any potential business rates income from the facility.
“This council is completely supportive of renewable energy.
“This has been demonstrated by our approval of renewable energy schemes on land outside of Burwell and Soham over the past few years. “But it’s imperative such schemes are in the right place and are right for the communities in which they are located.”
These private company plans cannot be carried out at a public cost to local taxpayers.
Cllr Lorna Dupré