News
October 31, 2025
Campaigners criticise council ahead of County Durham solar farm inquiry
Campaigners against a solar farm on their doorstep have criticised a council’s lack of notice ahead of a key planning inquiry.
**Campaigners criticise council ahead of County Durham solar farm inquiry**
Residents fighting the development of a large-scale solar farm in County Durham have voiced their anger at the local council, accusing them of insufficient communication regarding an upcoming planning inquiry. The inquiry, considered a crucial stage in determining the fate of the controversial project, has been met with strong opposition from local residents who fear its impact on the surrounding environment and their quality of life.
The core of the campaigners' criticism lies in what they perceive as a significant lack of transparency and inadequate notice provided by the council in advance of the inquiry. They claim that the timeframe for preparing and presenting their case against the solar farm is unreasonably short, leaving them scrambling to gather evidence and organize their arguments effectively. This, they argue, puts them at a distinct disadvantage compared to the developers, who likely have had ample time to prepare.
"We feel completely blindsided," stated a spokesperson for the residents' group. "The council has a responsibility to ensure that all parties involved have a fair opportunity to present their views. By failing to provide adequate notice, they are effectively silencing the voices of the community who will be directly affected by this development."
The residents' concerns extend beyond the immediate disruption of construction. They fear the solar farm will negatively impact the landscape, affecting local wildlife and reducing the area's natural beauty. Concerns have also been raised about potential noise pollution, the visual impact on property values, and the long-term effects on the local ecosystem.
The planning inquiry is expected to delve into all aspects of the proposed solar farm, including its environmental impact assessment, its potential economic benefits, and the concerns raised by the local community. The outcome of the inquiry will be a key factor in the council's final decision on whether to approve or reject the project.
The campaigners are now urging the council to reconsider the inquiry schedule and provide a more reasonable timeframe for them to prepare their case. They are also calling on the council to be more transparent in its communication and to ensure that the voices of the community are properly heard and considered throughout the planning process. They are determined to fight the development and believe that a fair and open inquiry is essential to ensuring that the best interests of the community are protected. The inquiry's date has not been released, but the anticipation and tension in the community is palpable.
Residents fighting the development of a large-scale solar farm in County Durham have voiced their anger at the local council, accusing them of insufficient communication regarding an upcoming planning inquiry. The inquiry, considered a crucial stage in determining the fate of the controversial project, has been met with strong opposition from local residents who fear its impact on the surrounding environment and their quality of life.
The core of the campaigners' criticism lies in what they perceive as a significant lack of transparency and inadequate notice provided by the council in advance of the inquiry. They claim that the timeframe for preparing and presenting their case against the solar farm is unreasonably short, leaving them scrambling to gather evidence and organize their arguments effectively. This, they argue, puts them at a distinct disadvantage compared to the developers, who likely have had ample time to prepare.
"We feel completely blindsided," stated a spokesperson for the residents' group. "The council has a responsibility to ensure that all parties involved have a fair opportunity to present their views. By failing to provide adequate notice, they are effectively silencing the voices of the community who will be directly affected by this development."
The residents' concerns extend beyond the immediate disruption of construction. They fear the solar farm will negatively impact the landscape, affecting local wildlife and reducing the area's natural beauty. Concerns have also been raised about potential noise pollution, the visual impact on property values, and the long-term effects on the local ecosystem.
The planning inquiry is expected to delve into all aspects of the proposed solar farm, including its environmental impact assessment, its potential economic benefits, and the concerns raised by the local community. The outcome of the inquiry will be a key factor in the council's final decision on whether to approve or reject the project.
The campaigners are now urging the council to reconsider the inquiry schedule and provide a more reasonable timeframe for them to prepare their case. They are also calling on the council to be more transparent in its communication and to ensure that the voices of the community are properly heard and considered throughout the planning process. They are determined to fight the development and believe that a fair and open inquiry is essential to ensuring that the best interests of the community are protected. The inquiry's date has not been released, but the anticipation and tension in the community is palpable.
Category:
Politics