West Essex Golf Club Solar Project
The planning proposal (EPF/2596/23) is located at the land at West Essex Golf Club and Netherhouse Farm, Bury Road, Chingford, E4 7QL – Construction of 10.7MWp Photovoltaic solar farm and associated infrastructure, including sub-station, cabinets, fencing, access tracks and grid connection.
December 2023: our responses to consultation
We have objected to the proposed development of two solar farms on land immediately next to Forest buffer land and close to the Forest on the basis that it is inappropriate development on the Green Belt and will impact on the natural aspect of the Forest. While we are supportive of moves towards greener energy to help mitigate against the climate and biodiversity crises, we do not believe that this should be at the expense of the Forest or adjacent Green Belt.
You can view our full responses here.
March 2025 update: we submitted our brief to councillors of Planning Committee B
While we support efforts to move to low carbon and renewable energy we have continued to express our objections to the planned solar farm at West Essex Golf Club and Netherhouse Farm. This is because we believe the planned location would have a negative impact on the natural aspect of the Forest, and on the Special Area of Conservation and SSSI. You can read our full brief to councillors on Planning Committee B, who will consider the proposal at their meeting on 12th March.
We have serious concerns that if developments like this on Green Belt land surrounding the Forest are agreed they will set a damaging precedent and that in years to come the Forest will become an island of ancient trees and wood pasture totally surrounded by solar farms and housing.
March 2025 decision: planning application refused!
We are pleased to say that we briefed Councillors in advance of the meeting, and that they then refused this planning application.
Planning volunteers needed
To continue and expand our work responding to planning proposals around the Forest we really need more volunteer support as one of our volunteers has now stepped back to focus on their job search and another has stepped back due to family commitments. If you can help please do get in contact.