THE operators of a planned solar farm in the green belt on land close to Bulphan have been granted permission to extend the operational life of the site from the 35 years originally granted, by another five years.

In September last year, by a margin of one vote, members of Thurrock Council's planning committee gave permission for the site on land adjacent to Fen Farm, Judds Farm and part of Bulphan Fen on Harrow Lane.

There was considerable concern expressed by councillors at the time about the plan and its impact in the long and short term on the local environment.

Committee chairman, Cllr Tom Kelly, who eventually voted for it, said at the time: "It's not something I am massively happy about, we are losing a massive part of the fens. I have reservations and am slightly nervous about the technology being used , but we have been assured by officers. It's a funny one, I don't think it's fantastic but it's one of those difficult decisions we have to make."

Many local residents had campaigned against the site. Now its operators, Gloucestershire-based Enso Energy, have successfully argued the case to extend the initial time allocation after permission was granted under a delegated decision by officers. The extension was not considered at committee by councillors.

Full details of the successful application can be found via this link.

The area around Bulphan has been targeted for the development of solar farms, with two other applications approved in recent years.