Hello,
Although I am some distance away from Ash Thomas now I have still been being active over the solar panel planning application. I have had a lot of contact with other key players so the refusal of permission has came as no surprise to me. I have been totally expectant of it and was aware that it would very probably happen by the end of last week.
Other things continue. The applicants have made an approach to Halberton Parish Council which I am following up. I fully expect to be writing to their Clerk very soon and I intend to copy that letter to you in due course.
I had heard a rumour that this second application might well have been withdrawn and a new one for just 8 acres re-submitted but in the end that did not happen. I am pleased about that. However, everyone must work on the thought basis that the applicants will appeal the refusal of this recent second application. They may not do that but we should assume that they will. We must all be vigilant and determined! There should be no weakening at all. They try to grind communities down and Ash Thomas will be the loser of we do not maintain determination.
If there is an appeal then everyone must continue with their stuff, write to resist the appeal and remain determined and consistent. Any weakening will just play into the hands of the appellants.
However, what may now happen is that the developers will try yet again with a much smaller application. This is, I think, more likely. Here again determination must prevail. If the community does not maintain its objections - and especially on the Grade 1 land argument - then the case could be lost in the end. I remain convinced that IF ASH THOMAS REMAINS RESOLUTE - the entire war will be won and no solar panel development will get an approval on the Grade 1 land. If there is weakening then MDDC might also weaken. They must not be allowed to do that.
I will continue to fight this cause alongside everyone in the Ash Thomas community even though I now live 250 miles away. This is so important! And I will keep you informed about what I continue to learn.
Best wishes to all
Mike Bull
Although I am some distance away from Ash Thomas now I have still been being active over the solar panel planning application. I have had a lot of contact with other key players so the refusal of permission has came as no surprise to me. I have been totally expectant of it and was aware that it would very probably happen by the end of last week.
Other things continue. The applicants have made an approach to Halberton Parish Council which I am following up. I fully expect to be writing to their Clerk very soon and I intend to copy that letter to you in due course.
I had heard a rumour that this second application might well have been withdrawn and a new one for just 8 acres re-submitted but in the end that did not happen. I am pleased about that. However, everyone must work on the thought basis that the applicants will appeal the refusal of this recent second application. They may not do that but we should assume that they will. We must all be vigilant and determined! There should be no weakening at all. They try to grind communities down and Ash Thomas will be the loser of we do not maintain determination.
If there is an appeal then everyone must continue with their stuff, write to resist the appeal and remain determined and consistent. Any weakening will just play into the hands of the appellants.
However, what may now happen is that the developers will try yet again with a much smaller application. This is, I think, more likely. Here again determination must prevail. If the community does not maintain its objections - and especially on the Grade 1 land argument - then the case could be lost in the end. I remain convinced that IF ASH THOMAS REMAINS RESOLUTE - the entire war will be won and no solar panel development will get an approval on the Grade 1 land. If there is weakening then MDDC might also weaken. They must not be allowed to do that.
I will continue to fight this cause alongside everyone in the Ash Thomas community even though I now live 250 miles away. This is so important! And I will keep you informed about what I continue to learn.
Best wishes to all
Mike Bull
