I've received advance notification this morning of a planning application to install a solar farm on land adjacent to Benridge Farm on Fillpoke Lane between Crimdon and High Hesleden.
Full details of the application can be found in this link which will take you direct to the Durham County Council planning portal: DM/25/01964/FPA | Installation of a solar farm together with all associated works, equipment and necessary infrastructure including battery storage. | Land To The East, South And West Of Benridge Farm, Fillpoke Lane Blackhall Rocks TS27 4BT
Durham County Council will be in recess from Friday, meaning there'll be limited opportunity for contact with relevant officers. In addition, many of our residents may be away on their summer break, so the timing of the planning application isn't at all helpful.However, I've asked the planning department to allow for an extended period of time for interested parties to respond to the public consultation. This would also allow additional time to gauge public reaction to the proposal I previously asked for an extensive consultation exercise so all directly affected residents should receive formal written notification soon. The full neighbourhood notification list of addresses can be found in the planning portal link.If there's sufficient interest I will make arrangements for a public meeting where residents can discuss the planning proposal in more detail and decide a way forward, but in the meantime please make every effort to submit your comments/objections to the planning office using the link above.For background information on this planning application please go to the following links: