How You Can Help

Our community is raising funds to support the campaign against the Beane Valley Solar Farm planning applications. Your contributions will go towards essential costs such as community outreach efforts, environmental impact assessments and legal fees. Every donation, no matter how small, helps protect the Beane Valley.

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Join Us on JustGiving

 

We’ve partnered with JustGiving to make it easy for you to contribute. Simply visit our JustGiving  page and make a donation. You can also share the campaign with your friends, family, and social networks to help spread the word.

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Together, We Can Make a Difference

The Beane Valley is more than just a place; it’s a part of who we are. By supporting our fundraising campaign, you are helping to preserve the natural beauty and tranquillity of our community. Let’s come together to protect the Beane Valley and ensure it remains a haven for wildlife and a cherished part of our lives. We massively appreciate the support both locally and further a field. As a group of volunteers, we continue to work tirelessly in our attempts to stop the destruction of our countryside by the development of the Beane Valley Solar Plant, to protect our homes, wildlife and local area in a multitude of ways. 

 

Thank you for your support!

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Beane Valley Planning Appeal Process and Cost Estimates

The cost estimates are indicative and based on a single appeal process, if our community needs to defend both the Beane Valley and Munches Farm planning applications they are likely to double!

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Whilst we all hope the planning application is not approved, but if it is appealing the decision for a project like the Beane Valley Solar Farm involves a detailed process, significant documentation, and the involvement of various specialists. The costs can vary widely based on the complexity of the case and the level of expertise required.

 

Here is an overview of the planning appeal process, the required inputs, the specialists involved, and a breakdown of the potential costs ranging from £32,000 to £155,000.

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Planning Appeal Process

Submit an Appeal

Appeals must be submitted within six months of the decision notice.

 

Grounds for Appeal

These can include procedural errors, misinterpretation of planning policies, or failure to consider material considerations.

 

Appeal Documentation

These typically include the original planning application, decision notice, grounds for appeal, and any supporting evidence.

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Public Inquiry or Hearing

The appeal may be decided through written representations, a hearing, or a public inquiry, depending on the complexity of the case.

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Required Inputs

 

Planning Application Documents

All documents submitted with the original planning application, including site plans, environmental impact assessments, and design statements.

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Decision Notice

The formal decision notice issued by the local council.

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Grounds for Appeal

A clear explanation of why the decision should be overturned, supported by relevant planning policies and evidence.

 

Supporting Evidence

Expert Reports: Additional reports or assessments that support the grounds for appeal, such as environmental, traffic, or heritage impact assessments.

 

Specialists Involved

Planning Consultants

Role: Provide expert advice on planning policies, prepare appeal documentation, and represent the appellant during hearings or inquiries.

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Environmental Consultants

Role: Conduct environmental impact assessments and provide expert testimony on environmental issues.

 

Legal Advisors

Role: Offer legal advice on planning law, prepare legal arguments, and represent the appellant in legal proceedings.

 

Traffic and Transport Consultants

Role: Assess the impact of the development on local traffic and transport infrastructure.

 

Heritage Consultants

Role: Evaluate the impact on local heritage assets and provide expert testimony.

 

Cost Breakdown

Planning Consultants

Cost: £5,000 to £20,000, depending on the complexity of the appeal.

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Environmental Consultants

Cost: £3,000 to £15,000 for additional environmental assessments and reports.

 

Legal Advisors

Cost: £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the level of legal involvement and the complexity of the case.

 

Traffic and Transport Consultants

Cost: £2,000 to £10,000 for traffic impact assessments.

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Heritage Consultants

Cost: £2,000 to £10,000 for heritage impact assessments.

 

Public Inquiry Costs

Cost: £10,000 to £50,000 expert witness fees, and other associated costs.

 

1,000 objectors that is £150 each to raise funds of £155,000, the top end of the estimated cost range, for an appeal. In the event of any funds remaining at the end of our campaign they will be donated to CPRE, the Countryside Charity - Hertfordshire, registered charity number 11622419.

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Join Us on JustGiving.​​​​​​

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