A HUGELY controversial plans for a solar farm have been thrown out, after thousands signed a petition against the proposals. Low Carbon Solar Park 46 Limited has lost its bid for the solar farm on historic farmland off Upland Road, Thornwood reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

Councillors discussed the plans at an Epping District Forest Council meeting on June 10, and the meeting was told that if agreed, the facility could create enough power for 14,000 homes.

The meeting saw a busy public gallery, which burst into loud applause after objectors put their case to the committee. One worried resident said the site is “prime” farmland that has been farmed for more than 1,000 years. He added: “This should be protected to safeguard long-term food security and the reduction of the UK’s CO2 footprint.”

Pat Jones, from Epping Upland Parish Council, called it an “industrial site” planned for farmland. She asked councillors to “stand by your promises and be true to your word.” She added: “We ask you to appreciate the utter powerlessness felt by the ordinary residents when faced with the complexity of the planning system.”

The planning officer said there would be “direct local benefit” as excess power would be put into the national grid. He added: “Officers consider this to be a balanced and carefully developed proposal.” He also said the “public benefits” are “substantial”

The agent for the application told the committee the firm has “worked hard to address concerns.” He added: “Power, food, nature and community funding, this is a project in Epping to power Epping.” He also told the meeting that energy bills “will continue to go up unless action is taken.”