Our latest bulletin includes news on: a disappointing appeal decision for a commercial solar farm close to important heritage assets; a lack of support for the ‘Sunshine Bill’ which would see more solar panels on rooftops; rising housing numbers in the county and National Grid’s announcement impacting the Waveney Valley.
Sunshine Bill – a setback for the rooftop solar campaign
We have written to all Suffolk MPs urging them to back the ‘New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill’ – a Private Members’ Bill promoted by Max Wilkinson MP. The Bill aims to require new homes to have solar panels fitted as standard wherever this is feasible – a sensible move that many of us have been calling for, for years. As the government’s other high-profile target being for 1.5 million new homes within the next 5 years, this could make a significant contribution to the generation of clean power.
Unfortunately, when the Bill was debated in Parliament, fewer than the require 100 MPs were in attendance and therefore no vote was taken and it is adjourned to a future session on 11 July.
However, the indications were that the government does not support the Bill, as it could have adverse effects including on housing supply and the construction industry. Instead they intend to amend building regulations later this year as part of the introduction of future standards that will set more ambitious energy efficiency and carbon emissions requirements for new homes.
The 2 (Conservative) MPs who responded to our request also indicated that they would not support the requirement for solar panels on all new homes pointing out they are not always practical. SPS suggests that those supporting the Bill realise that not all new builds will be suitable, however solar panels on a large number of new rooftops will be feasible and relying on the goodwill of volume house builders to choose to incorporate renewable energy generating features is unrealistic where it impacts profit levels. This could be an opportunity missed.
Norwich to Tilbury – Waveney Valley will not be spared pylons
National Grid has announced that their proposal to underground part of the Norwich to Tilbury pylon line in the Waveney Valley is no longer on the table. This alternative to overhead pylons, would have reduced the visual impact on a sensitive Valued Landscape, although concerns were raised around other environmental impacts of the trenches required to bury the AC cables.
The option was proposed and consulted on by National Grid in the summer. SPS and other interested parties responded to the consultation expressing a preference for the underground option, although we had urged for a far greater extent than the 2km which was on offer. This announcement is disappointing and lays the path open to the introduction of pylons into this sensitive landscape.
Redevelopment of Cliff Quay Brewery – Ipswich
SPS has responded to a major application for the conversion of the Tolly Cobbold Brewery, together with Brewery Tap and Cliff Quay Cottage, to provide residential and extra-care accommodation. This is a brownfield, town centre site in a highly sustainable location and we are pleased to see a heritage led scheme finally come forward.
The brewery building is a local landmark and this application offers an exciting opportunity to bring this iconic group of buildings back into good order which will once again make a positive contribution to the townscape of Ipswich. We welcome the introduction of a local museum in the former brewery and a restaurant in the former pub, giving something back to the local community, which is entirely appropriate given the important role that this site has played in the town for centuries.
The site has suffered a long period of decline and neglect, with redundancy leading to extensive vandalism. Therefore, SPS supports the proposed scheme and hopes that it will be progressed smoothly to avoid further delay and deterioration of these historic buildings.
Eye Airfield – Battery Energy Storage System
SPS has commented on an application for a Battery Storage System on land to the South of Eye Airfield. Whilst acknowledging the presence of other large-scale energy and industrial infrastructure associated with the Eye Airfield Industrial Estate, the proposed BESS installation on this site will bring this land use type within close proximity of housing recently developed on the edge of Eye, public footpaths and a primary route into the historic town.
The presence of 128 BESS containers and 64 AC twinskid containers at up to 3.61m high, together with a substation, fencing and lighting will be a fundamental negative change to the character of open farmland.
The proposed mitigation is insufficient and we have called for an extensive planted buffer strip and the inclusion of mature trees to filter the views.
Meanwhile National Gas has submitted a strong holding objection as the proposal would be in close proximity to the main gas line, risking a major hazard in the event of fire.
Badley Solar Farm – allowed at appeal despite heritage harm
SPS was very disappointed by an appeal decision this month to allow the development of a 56 hectare solar farm at Badley Hall near Needham Market. The site is directly to the north of Badley Church Green Conservation Area which contains a grouping of heritage assets including St Mary’s Church (grade I), Badley Hall and barn (both grade II*), and a designed landscaped approach which passes between remnants of ancient woodland. Notwithstanding the nearby pylon line, it is a timeless location which is otherwise untouched by modern day development and only accessible by those using the PROW network.
Although the plans were amended in an attempt to mitigate the impacts on this sensitive location, Mid Suffolk DC refused the application on heritage grounds. When the developer appealed this decision, however, the Planning Inspector decided that the clear heritage harm is outweighed by the nation’s need to generate renewable energy. This decision shows that the bar is currently set very high when considering refusing any similar developments on heritage grounds.
Historic door and windows saved
SPS objected to the proposed removal of historic timber sashes and stained glass and timber panelled front door at 31 Marine Parade, Lowestoft. The property is one of a designed terrace of 50 dating from the 1850s and is part of Samuel Peto’s original layout of the town. The property lies within the South Lowestoft/Kirkley Conservation Area and is covered by an Article IV direction, restricting alterations changes to windows and doors.
The replacement of these important period features would have resulted in a loss of character and architectural interest, harming the individual property as well as the wider group of which it forms a part.
We were therefore pleased when officers refused the application on the grounds that SPS had advanced.
Application to remove thatch withdrawn
SPS objected to an application to remove the thatched roof from a vernacular cottage and replace with clay plain tiles, together with three dormers and other alterations. The Rattlesden cottage is located in a deeply rural area and its surviving vernacular character contributes to the sense of place; a historic landscape that has undergone little change.
The property is not listed, nor in a conservation area, but it retains historic character and architectural interest. We recommended that it should be treated as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset, which merits consideration in planning decisions because of its heritage interest while not meeting the criteria for listing.
We objected as there was no heritage statement, no reasoned justification for the removal of the thatch roof, nor did it address the increased weight of a clay tile roof, which may have structural implications. Furthermore, the drawings showed the removal of the multi shafted chimney stack.
We were therefore pleased that this application has been withdrawn.
Babergh Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan – a further delay
Part One of the Joint Local Plan was adopted in November 2023 containing annual housing requirements based on the Government’s previous formula – 416 new homes each year in Babergh and 535 in Mid Suffolk. Since then, work has proceeded on Part Two of the Plan, which would include housing site allocations.
In December however, the Government announced new housing requirements, increasing Babergh to 775 homes a year (up 86%), and in Mid Suffolk up to 734 (up 37%). This means more delay as the Councils are left with no option but to carry out a full review of Part One of the Joint Local Plan before being able to proceed with Part 2 of the Plan.
A revised timetable is now expected by March.
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