We have planning permission for the solar farm!

Last Thursday was high drama at Mid Sussex council planning committee with the decision being made on our planning application for our 5MW solar farm at Chiddingly farm just outside West Hoathly.

Several Repower Balcombe members, alongside our friends at 10:10 and our planning and solar installation consultants Dale and Chris, were there to hear Tom and Charles speaking brilliantly about the benefits of the scheme and see the committee unanimously agree to grant permission.

Several councillors commented on what an excellent application it was and how great the level of community involvement and support was, so thank you to everyone who came to the community consultation, submitted a positive comment on online or had a word with their local councillor. It paid off!

There is plenty more work to do before the panels go up (and we reach our goal of generating the equivalent of 100% of Balcombe’s electricity use) but Thursday really was a great day for our coop and massive hurdle cleared.

Soon we’ll be launching a big community share offer to fund the construction of the farm – watch this space!