reasons-to-object - stopletheringham

The QC report states that the area is “considered to be at lowest risk of flooding and the site has no risk of surface water flooding”. This is factually incorrect; the sites were the source of significant drainage water and surface run-off water during Storm Babet in October 2023. This led to the flooding of five properties in Letheirngham, at least ten in Easton, contributed to flooding in downstream villages on the River Deben (e.g. Wickham Market), and the loss of numerous vehicles due to flood damage. Irrespective of Babet, the area is well known for regular flooding. 

The set-up of Solar Farms means that sites are usually considered to be 95% permeable (water can get through), with the other 5% being impermeable for associate infrastructure. This, in conjunction with Solar Farms often being on flat ground could mean that flooding in the context of Letheringham and Easton, as well as downstream villages, have been overlooked. 

However, there are a number of major factors omitted from the QS report, which should be considered in the context of an increase in adverse weather patterns, particularly the ferocity of future rainfall and storms. These factors, combined with changing global weather patterns, we believe, will equate to a significant increase in surface water run off from these fields. This will not only increase the vulnerability of flood damage in the vicinity of Letheringham and Easton, but also within villages located on, and around, the River Deben downstream. 

Firstly, the site is not “broadly flat” as the QS report then goes on to state, there is a difference of about 12m in ground level. The site also has two watercourses, one of which flows approximately centrally throughout the site at the base of a natural valley feature (acting like a funnel), these we would advocate could be environmentally sensitive/significant. 

Secondly, no reference is made to the prevailing geology, which predominately consists of the Lowestoft Formation, and within the site boundary is identified as sand and gravel (British Geological Survey). The soil type, and its ability to absorb water, plays a crucial role in both water run off from the development area, and also potential effects on ground water. Sand and gravel have a poor water-holding capacity, leading to rapid drainage. This means soil erosion could occur under the solar panels and in particular at the edges and along maintenance paths (i.e. the access tracks for vehicles). 

The above, in conjunction with more intensified rainfall events, is a recipe for potentially overwhelming the capacity of the land to absorb water. With heavy water run off from the impermeable solar panels and buildings/concrete areas, compaction of soils can occur at the base. There is potential to change the natural characteristics of how water flows across and from the development area. This could lead to “rutting” of the ground surface, thereby creating a network of channelised paths of fast running water destined for the villages of both Letheringham, Easton and beyond. 

The site has already low infiltration of water into the ground and this has the propensity to be reduced further by the transformation of arable land into a Solar Farm. This increases, we believe, the flood risk associated with the watercourse downstream and of the River Deben (45m away).  

We believe it is paramount to not allow good quality land to be lost to development; thereby impacting the amount of food grown in the UK, and thus placing an increasing reliance on imported food. Particularly amidst global economic uncertainly; this raises concerns about potential import bans (due to disease etc), increased import tax/tariffs, climate change and increased global carbon emissions due to increased transportation. 

The UK Government, UK Food Security Index May 2024 states: “Although reportedly coming “out of a challenging period of global supply chain shocks”, this should be “seen in the context of longer-term risk for climate change.” The UK “maintains domestic production of all food available in the UK at around 60% of consumption.” We are concerned that this figure will drop significantly as Solar Farms decimate our farmland at an alarming rate. This situation is further amplified when considering the growing UK population. It is our view that dependency on other nations’ produce should not be increased.

But the arable land is more than food production, its presence and workings are intertwined with daily life – it underpins rural communities, local infrastructure and tourism. Simple seemingly frivolous activities, such as stopping to chat to farm workers, watching and listening to machinery work the land, getting stuck on the country lanes behind a tractor, ones car being covered in mud, smell of muck spreading, or getting wet as one misjudges the irrigation pump, are all part of rural living. One can also tell the Season, by just glancing across the fields, or by observing machinery making its way through our meandering country lanes. BBQ parties are often booked when a combine harvester is first spotted as sunshine beckons for a few days! 

It is quite difficult to comprehend such a transformation across our communities: from rural agricultural villages to Industrial grade power complexes. From Tractors and Combine harvesters to utilitarian vehicles and maintenance drones buzzing overhead.

The Agricultural Land Classification is a system used to grade the quality of land for agricultural use; is used to inform planning decisions affecting Greenfield sites. In theory, it is used to protect good quality land from development. The system classifies land into five grades, with Grade 1 being the best quality. 

The Letheringham solar farm proposal will occupy 290 acres of Grade 2 (and some 3a) agricultural land, which has been used for arable crop rotation for centuries, growing essential crops such as wheat, sugar beet, and oilseed rape. This represents 26% of the total land area of Letheringham, the loss of which, we believe, is contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). In paragraph 11, sub paragraph (d) for decision taking, when there is no up to date development plan, Clause 1 states: “Permission should be granted unless the application of policies that protect areas of particular importance provide a clear reason for refusing the proposal”.

Furthermore, the Minister responsible, Claire Coutino, has explicitly stated in the House of Commons that solar farms should only be located on land that is below Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land, i.e., land graded as 3b or lower. Given that the land in question is classified as Grade 2, with some 3a, this site does not meet the guidelines for solar farm placement on agricultural land. It is noted, however, that further soil testing is underway. It is further noted that the government intends to “tighten up on Agricultural Land Classification soil surveys undertaken as part of the planning process for solar development. On this, the Government has said it is “looking at introducing an independent certification scheme for surveyors to ensure soil surveys are of a high quality”  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/solar-projects-must-fit-in-with-food-security


Department for Energy Security & Net Zero National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3) paragraph 20.10.29 states: “Where the proposed use of any agricultural land has been shown to be necessary, poorer quality land should be preferred to higher quality land avoiding the use of “Best and Most Versatile” agricultural land where possible. ‘Best and Most Versatile agricultural land is defined as land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification”.

We believe that the loss of fertile land for food production is contrary to national policy objectives. A situation, which is further exacerbated during times of rising food security and global economic volatility.

The industrial scale of this utility grade power complex is totally inappropriate, and would engulf our small community. It is over 290 acres which equates to 26% of the land area in Letheringham! Both the visual, and audible, impact of such would fundamentally change the tranquil character of the area, which would be lost forever. We believe such developments should be appropriately located: “roofs before rural”, contaminated sites, industrial land, brownfield sites, adjacent to motorways, railways, etc. We do not believe it should be within a Heritage landscape, on agricultural farmland, or in an area prone to flooding, within the heart of rural Letheringham. 

Nor do we believe that other similar rural areas, where agriculture/open countryside is at the heart of our communities, should be turned into Solar Farms. The preservation of our precious landscapes, within the Deben river valley, should be a priority, a landscape which should not be subjected to such arbitrary and inappropriate Industrialisation. 

If the Letheringham proposal is approved, or indeed proposals in similar villages, a dangerous precedent will be set, exposing other such vulnerable and unspoilt communities in East Suffolk. 

We consider such Industrious development contravenes a duty to protect the intrinsic beauty of our river Deben valley, visually sensitive skylines and the local distinctiveness/ambiance of our area. As well as being detrimental to both the social and economic (tourism) well being of the district. We do not see this “new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness” [NPPF, 210, c].

Letheringham has a rich history, dating back to pre-1066, as recorded in the Domesday Book. It is recognised as a village, however, in the latest iteration of the Local Plan, Letheringham is categorised as countryside within the settlement hierarchy. It is comprised of 1,144 acres of land with approximately 35 houses and 25 businesses. It forms part of the River Deben valley and is home to a number of historically significant buildings and structures and an historic Deer Park. Examples:

Letheringham Priory Church of Saint Mary: A scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed building (part of an Augustinian Priory).

Letheringham Lodge: A Grade II* listed hunting lodge built in 1472, designed by Sir John Wingfield in the Dutch architectural style. The moat listed as a scheduled ancient Monument.

Letheringham Watermill: A Grade II listed watermill recorded in the Domesday Book and rebuilt in the 17th century, currently providing national award winning tourist accommodation.

April Cottage: A grade II a rare 13th/14th-century survival of an intact timber-framed house of national significance.
Letheringham Hall (Old Hall): A mid-16th century Grade II listed Manor House surrounded by an ancient moat and designated ancient monument. 

Boughbreak, Mole End and Pike Cottage: listed Grade II cottages thought to be the original Letheringham Alms House. 

The proposed solar farm is set to significantly alter the landscape and surrounding environment, threatening the integrity of Letheringham’s historically important landscape and buildings. We believe Letheringham’s “….heritage assets and the contribution they make to their environment….” [NPPF, 205] are deeply significant. The development of the solar farm would deprive the historic assets of the context, which defines their existence, and contravene the importance of their listed status. 

Solar Farms, such as that being proposed for Letheringham (and many other local villages), will have a transformational effect on the land, with severe consequences for wildlife and their habitats. As an example, studies state that birds and bats can mistake the mirror like glare from solar panels for water, and collide into the panels when trying to land with deadly consequences. “Photovoltaic panels have been shown to reflect polarised light that is attractive to polarotactic aquatic insects, which confuse solar panels with water and attempt to lay eggs on the surface, resulting in mortality and reproductive failure” [Horváth et al., 2010; Blahó et al., 2012].

Additionally, the prison like perimeter security fencing, will be a barrier to the movement of wild mammals and amphibians, and is a collision risk for birds. As any walker, cyclist, jogger, horse-rider, or even driver (stopping to ingest the quintessential landscape) knows Letheringham has a serene group of deer. Often seen relaxing in nature, basking in the sun, effortlessly navigating the landscape to reside in whichever ancient woodland they chose (we do appreciate culls have to occur (within regulated hunting seasons), to control numbers). Deer is just one example of transitory wildlife that will lose their traditional routes which has been available to them for centuries. Indeed much of the land can be traced back to an ancient deer park. If these routes are lost, where can they turn? Pushed to cross our ever-increasing dangerous roads? 


Letheringham (and Easton) has a huge number of different bird species, up to a third is reported to be on the endangered Red/Amber list. A joyous activity for many holiday guest visiting the area (as well as locals) is counting the different species – we are in the process of collating data from the various holiday cottages in the area. Nevertheless, we expect this number to be huge. A further joy, is watching the buzzards, hawks, owls etc, effortlessly hunting their pray over the open countryside, be that undulating farmland/grass areas or the waterways.

The fields are important habitats for a vast number of wildlife species, including deer, skylarks, bats, badgers, and brown hares, all of which are protected. The destruction of their natural habit would severely impact local biodiversity and fauna, undermining the ecological integrity of this fragile landscape. We believe the installation of a Solar Farm would disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems/biodiversity and fauna, eroding the ecological integrity of the environment. 

The delicate balance, including wildlife corridors and nesting areas, for protected species, should be a key consideration. The habitat will be degraded, as a significant proportion of the land will be lost to permanent shadow. We do not believe the token gestures of grazing sheep, bee-keeping, wildflower/hedge planting etc, goes anywhere close to compensating for the lost of good agricultural land which protects our rich and unique biodiversity. 


There are a number of residential properties located close to the site boundary (many listed); the development will have a significant adverse visual and audible impact. The setting of these properties would be irreversibly altered with boundaries flanked by prison like security fencing, intrusive CCTV coverage and aggressive signage, as well as the solar arrays and associated infrastructure. 

Impacts will be felt not only from their gardens, but also from both ground floor and upper floor windows and doors, and balconies/patios. Additionally, residents within the wider vicinity will be adversely impacted by the ramifications of an Industrial grade power complex engulfing their community. Views currently enjoyed will be lost and we believe that no mitigation schemes can compensate. 

Health concerns, including mental well being, induced stress, noise pollution and poorer air quality are among concerns being raised.  

Letheringham is a very pretty village welcoming many visitors who enjoy the meandering country lanes and footpaths. There are eleven footpaths within the village - four of which (F2, F6, F9, F11) the proposed development can be seen from. Due to the undulations in the landscape, views from such are exacerbated and it would be impossible to conceal the Solar Farm panels/arrays, associated equipment, site entrance and 2m high perimeter fence. One path runs right through the site (between two very pretty country lanes), the apex of which enjoys far reaching views of the unspoilt countryside.

These paths are well used by residents/walkers from the local area, as well as people/tourists from further afield. Currently there are extensive uninterrupted views of agricultural farmland and open countryside as far as the eye can see. As well as views of the two ancient woods, which are encompassed within the site. 

The development would create visual and audible adverse impacts to the users of these footpaths/country lanes – the character of these “public rights of way” would be irreversibly devastated. The solar arrays of approx 3m in height, battery containers (shipping like) of 3m in height, inverters of 3m in height, Distribution Network Operator substation of 3m in height, weather monitoring building, etc, etc, would tower above walkers, blocking these views. With regards to the Footpath crossing the entirety of the site (L2) it can only be assumed that this would be separated by a 2m high security fence on either side. This would create an unpleasant prison like tunnel, degrading the amenity value of this distinctive landscape.  

As with Footpath users, similar degradation of amenity value will apply to cyclists. The Suffolk Coast is home to two National Cycle Network Routes. Cycle Route 1 is the main north/south route through Suffolk and the village of Letheringham forms part of this route. Cyclists, whether local or tourists, casual or MAMIL (middle-aged man in Lycra!) are a welcome site in Letheringham. They are often seen enjoying the twists and turns of the country lanes, up and down Blyth hill, or stopping to appreciate the open Suffolk countryside views, scattered with historical gems richly steeped in history. Be these the Church (Grade I), pretty listed cottages, or Letheringham Lodge (Grade II*) – a hunting lodge of outstanding historical importance build in 1472. They are also seen taking a well-earned break, sat on the village green, by the millstone from Letheringham Mill (Grade II*), enjoying the last of the sunset views. 

Visitors and tourists come to Letheringham in many guises and is well known for its rural charm, attracting many walkers (“pram-pushers”), ramblers, horse riders, pony and traps, joggers, dog walkers, church goers, cyclists, photographers, Easton harrier hounds, etc, into the village daily, come rain or shine! The total distance of the site running adjacent to the country lanes (with the exception houses, whereby the development surrounds their boundaries) is ????

The route through the Street, passing the pretty row of listed cottages, lovingly restored ancient Well, and heading towards the Church could be argued as being one of the prettiest country lanes in Suffolk. Heading towards the church the lane meanders past a wooded area, exposing a waterway and the River Deben on the right (approx 45m from the proposed site). Here birds are plentiful (owls, hawks, heron, etc,) and the resident swans are often seen teaching their young to fly over this wetland, carefully navigating the cables as they go. To the left views of ancient woodland, footpath and undulating countryside from which the church tower soon comes into view. 

Transformation of this landscape into an industrial scale power complex is wholly out of kilter with this most beautiful and precious environment. One of which would materially effect the enjoyment of so many visitors, be these people, bird/wildlife or our four legged friends! 

Click image above to view the video

In addition to noise/vibration throughout construction (expected to be about a year?), Solar Farms emit noise, this will cause adverse noise pollution. Some solar panels (we believe) rotate in order to absorb maximum sun, thus emitting further noise (it is unclear if the planned ones are rotational). Other noise includes batteries, or the fact that “inverters can overheat in extremely hot weather requiring the use of noisy fans to provide cooling” [The problem with Solar Farms, factors that should be considered in determining applications]. Noise will also be prevalent during the maintenance process as vehicles navigate access tracks throughout the farm to complete jobs (i.e. cleaning, replacing faulty/damaged equipment etc). Could it be foreseen that a series of drones would, one day, be flying overhead to undertake maintenance? This vision is a stark contrast to the endemic presence of farm machinery alternating both in nature and task throughout the seasons. 

Much is talked/written about with regards to the degradation of visual amenity. However, we consider that noise pollution is also a crucial factor (emitted from a variety of equipment and tasks), which would detract from the distinctiveness and ambiance of the area. Currently a variety of bird songs can be heard, overlaid by the pecking of woodpeckers, gentle coo of wood pigeons, shrills of the kingfishers, bark of the muntjacs, etc. All these tunes are played amidst the gentle breeze through ancient tree canopies, hum of farm machinery at work and the occasional sound of traffic.    

The proposed development will create extreme transport impacts on our extremely narrow county lanes (with limited passing places/blind bends). Not only is this considered dangerous to other road users (particularly Horse riders, cyclists, walkers/joggers), it will also cause significant disruption to local communities. Some of these lanes (arguably the prettiest in Suffolk!) meander right past houses and cottages (many listed). Not only within the village itself, but right through to the villages of Easton, Hacheston and Parham. This is because a significant underground cable will need to be installed to take the energy from the sites to the sub-station at Parham. 

Residents and visitors (inc. tourists) will be detrimentally impacted by noise pollution, and vibration, caused by industrial grade construction traffic. This includes heavy duty lifting equipment/cranes, cement trucks, HGVs, hydraulic breakers etc. 

The construction phase is estimated to take around a year, probably more. It will entail the delivery of an estimated 435,000 (?) solar panels (Letheringham), mounting infrastructure, numerous containerised units (shipping type containers) to house Batteries, a number of Inverter cabins (3m high), Distribution Network Operator (DNO) substation, DNO meter point, customer substation and system (3m high). Additionally, boundary fencing (2 m high), CCTV systems, semi permeable materials for the access tracks, signage, communications and weather monitoring equipment to be contained in a monitoring building. There will also be a significant amount of electricity and communication cables installed along the cable route from Letheringham to Parham. 

Moving onto site access and the construction/set down area or “messing”! The entrance point to the proposed site is likely to be from Park Road (precise point unknown). However, what is known is that an industrial scale type entrance, complete with visual splays, and sizeable hard-standing areas will be required. This area has to be large enough to accommodate HGVs, concrete truck, lifting equipment, workers’ vehicles, welfare areas (toilets, on-site office), etc. Concerns have been raised about associated rubbish, e.g. plastics left in the ground during construction making their way into the food chain, wildlife and waterways. Not to mention a degradation of air quality caused by traffic increase and dust creating construction activities. 

It is reasonable to assume that such an entrance, along with all the vehicles/equipment etc will be seen from each of the four Footpaths close to Park road. It is also mentioned “an internal access track will be provided through these site to connect the field parcels within the site”. It is not clear if this relates to Easton, or Letheringham. If it Letheringham, the intention must then be to cross the Public Right of Way? 

The historic environment of Letheringham, rich in wildlife/biodiversity, the river Deben (which development can be seen from), cycle route, footpaths and wide skyline views across the Deben valley attracts many tourists. This forms an integral part of the East Suffolk Tourist offer. Our tourists are “day trippers”, or holiday-makers (both from the UK and abroad), and their expenditure, both within Letheringham and across wider communities, is vital to both our small rural economies and local people.

There are over 50 holiday cottage “beds” in Letheringham alone, not to mention accommodation at Easton Farm Park, The Farmstead, Kettleburgh Chequers, etc, and numerous cottages within the wider villages. Tourist expenditure is the mainstay of many local businesses, be that accommodation owners (allowing them to employee many local people/businesses), pubs, restaurants, take-aways, cafés, local shops, tourist attractions and charities (e.g. RSPB Minsmere, National Trust, etc).

A simple example of this is the 30+ visitors from the USA coming to visit Letheringham Priory. This visit is in June 2025, from the Wingfield Society in the USA (note Edward Maria Wingfield, founder of the first Settlement in America, Jamestown).

It is our belief that a Solar Farm, sited within an area with such intrinsic character and beauty, will ultimately destroy the Tourist industry (there is already concern due to Sizewell C). There are many proposed solar farms within the Deben valley and if one is approved the floodgates will open, generating the very real potential of turning Suffolk into a Solar dessert. This we believe will deter tourists from visiting our area. This industrialisation threatens to undermine the region’s reputation as a place of natural beauty, harming local businesses and the wider economy. 


The proposed Solar Farm development will cause “……harm to, or loss of, the significance of a designated heritage asset (from its alteration or destruction, or from development within its setting)……” [NPPF, 213]. We believe that significant account should be taken of “the positive contribution of heritage assets can make to sustainable communities including their economic vitality” [NPPF, 210,b]. In Letheringham alone, this “economic vitality” equates to a huge economic contribution (employees and local businesses) particularly when balanced against the proportion of local residents.   

Solar Farms are progressing at an alarming rate, engulfing anything in their wake, be that open countryside views, wildlife or just the simplicity of rural living. Whilst there is much positive media coverage with regards to Green energy and the government’s “net zero” targets and figures, there is little about the darker side of solar. “Solar panels are exposed to the elements, making them vulnerable to natural hazards like snow, wind, hail and lightning. These harsh conditions don’t just have the potential to damage the solar panels, incurring costs within themselves, but can also cause arc faults and faulty wiring which increases the risk of fire.

Strong winds can also cause micro-cracking to the panels, letting in dust and debris and making them less effective at absorbing light and storing energy. Due to the materials of today’s panels and frequent weather damage, they are lasting much less than expected, at around 20 years compared to the expected 40-50 years”.

https://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/insight/the-dark-side-of-solar-panels


Such weather damage was shown during Storm Darragh in Anglesey. If solar is given the “green light” we believe, such destruction will not be uncommon across the Suffolk landscape, particularly against a background of greater incidence and ferocity of storms in the UK.

Currently agricultural technical failures can be viewed as a welcome social interruption! It is not uncommon to see the Ernest Doe van, tractor side, as both technician and driver relish the repair challenge! During which of course, there will be a “good olde” Suffolk yarn told – this is the way of country life – endemic to our rural communities. What a stark contrast it will be if this is replaced with the repair (catastrophe) challenges of a Solar Farm?!

The alleged recoverability of the land and returning to agriculture is alarming, given not only the risk of Fire and Storm damage, but also the risks of contamination and pollution. There is a view that as panels/equipment deteriorate, materials, such as plastic (silicone), metals, glass and hazardous waste from batteries (e.g. lead-acid, cadmium, etc) could make the soil economically unrecoverable; leading to wildlife/biodiversity impacts and sites being declared “brown field”. 


“Topsoil is removed and cleaning materials can contaminate the soil. There is the possibility of toxic chemicals leaching out from the panels. Lithium-ion battery storage represents a huge fire risk.” 

The above contamination components should be considered in conjunction with the sloping land (part of Lowestoft Formation) and the geology of the site, being of sand and gravel. Both elements of which exacerbate water run-off (see Flooding). We believe that there is a pollution risk as a result of surface water discharge as the geology potentially provides a pathway into the underlying watercourse. This culminating in the River Deben and beyond, particularly when floods occur (Fluvial, Pluvial and ground water). Would this have an impact on wildlife/biodiversity, the food chain and drinking water...? 

Finally, has the environmental aspects of both manufacturing and disposing of solar panels and associated infrastructure been fully assessed? This becomes even more of a concern, if their productive life is actually reduced to around 20 years instead of the suggested 40, thus making it difficult for Solar Farms to reach their energy/profit producing potential.   

It is stated an “operational lifespan of 40 years would be sought, after this point all elements of the Proposed Development will be removed form Site and the land restored to its original use”. This construction will cost QC millions and it is extremely unlikely that the site will ever be turned to its “original use”. It seems more plausible that the lease will be extended, failing which there is a view that the land could be left as contaminated wastelands, condemned for agricultural use. “It is highly unlikely that the land could return to agriculture in 40 years time” (The problem with Solar Farms, Factors that should be considered in determining applications)

Considering the decommissioning process, we are unsure as to whether there are any legal enforceable mechanisms to ensure that Energy companies remove their Solar panels and their associated infrastructure at the end of their lease. It is conceivable that such an operation is not as attractive once the profits have been extracted from the site. If the energy company, for what ever reason (e.g. out of business), fails to return the land to its “original” state, who will bear the costs for a rapidly deteriorating wasteland that is no longer safe for farming (let alone much else)? It is not unimaginable that our future generations could be left vast swathes of barren wasteland.

Quintas Cleantech, financial investors and the landowners will be the winners; it won’t be local residents, wider communities, visitors to the area, wildlife, or tourism/local businesses.  The proposed development is an industrial scale power plant and will make QC, financial investors and landowners millions over the 40 year lease.  The power generated by the solar panels will go straight to the national grid – it is not expected that this will be a cheap source of electricity for people living in the vicinity of the solar farm. 

The Letheringham and Easton proposed 49.9 MW Solar farm encompasses 250 to 290 acres of arable land and will be capable of supplying electricity for approximately 15,000 homes (it will cover 26% of beautiful historic landscapes in Letheringham). Despite claims that the Solar farm would revert to agriculture in 40 years, there are no assurances that either the companies will be around, or such a reversion can be enforced. 

By contrast, just one wind turbine in the North Sea has the capacity to power around 16,000 homes and has one quarter of the carbon footprint of the Letheringham solar farm. 290 acres of well farmed farm land would be able to produce 1,044 tons of wheat a year - enough to make 1.7 million loaves of bread and will absorb 880 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.


The current installed (and planned) wind turbine capacity off of the Suffolk coast is 3000MW. This begs the question: do we really need to launch such a brutal assault on our countryside, when one additional north sea wind turbine would generate more electrical capacity than the planned Solar Farm in both Letheringham and Easton? 


It is noted that monetary funds are offered to villages as part of Community Energy Projects (e.g. Solar Farms), by way of reward/mitigation. It is also noted that gestures such as sheep grazing, bee keeping wildflower planting, hedgerows etc. are offered in an attempt to offset impacts. It is our view however, that such strategies cannot compensate for the arbitrary destruction of our distinctive Deben Valley communities. Furthermore, we feel a duty to try and protect our countryside for future generations. 

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