As received from Epping Forest District Council
| Site Address | Land East of Tawney Common, Theydon Mount, Epping, Essex, CM16 7PU |
| Description | Proposed Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with ancillary infrastructure including access, landscape and ecology improvements. |
| PINS Appeal Reference | 6013202 |
| Appellant | Mr Chris Peachey |
| Start Date | 21/09/2026 |
| Appeal Procedure | Inquiry |
Good afternoon,
Please see the attached Planning Inquiry notification letter.
I am writing to let you know that an appeal has been made to the Secretary of State in respect of the above site and will be determined on the basis of the appeal procedure set out above. The appeal is Against a Refusal following the decision of this Council.
We have forwarded all the representations made to us on the application to the Planning Inspectorate and the appellant. These will be considered by the Inspector when determining the appeal. Details of the proposed development, the appellant’s grounds of appeal and the Council’s reasoning will be available on the Council’s website www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk under the Appeals Link on the original case ref: (EPF/1216/25).
If you wish to make comments, or modify/withdraw your previous representation, you can do so online at https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/enter-appeal-reference
All representations must be received no later than 5 weeks from the start date. Any representations submitted after the deadline will not usually be considered and will be returned. The Planning Inspectorate does not acknowledge representations. All representations must quote the PINS appeal reference. Please note that any representations you submit to the Planning Inspectorate will be copied to the appellant and this local planning authority and will be considered by the Inspector when determining the appeal.
You can get a copy of one of the Planning Inspectorate’s “Guide to taking part in planning appeals” booklets free of charge from GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/taking-part-in-a-planning-listed-building-or-enforcement-appeal or from us.
When made, the decision will be published online at https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/enter-appeal-reference
Epping Forest District Council
Planning Appeals Team
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An update from Tawney Common Solar Campaign (TCSC) on 22nd September 2026
While there does not seem to be much happening with regard to the fight against Thrift Solar Farm on land adjacent to Tawney Common, behind the scenes there is a lot happening !
As you may recall the applicant had 6 months from the EFDC planning meeting back in January 2026 to appeal against the decision taken by the Councillors to decline the application.
Almost at the last minute, the applicant appealed and requested to the Planning Inspectorate , which is Government run , that there be a Public Enquiry .
This is a type of court case played out in front of the Planning Inspectorate where EFDC has to justify its decision made in January , with the applicant trying to justify why the decision should be overturned .
Residents can if we wish , choose to be a “ Rule 6”Member of the enquiry , which gives them the same status as both the applicant and EFFC and therefore the same visibility to all information , documentation etc .
This however , comes at a cost , as it will need barristers and their support teams. It is believed that the applicant will put a great deal of money into their legal case .
The residents organisation, TCSC, have been desperately campaigning locally to raise enough money to help them continue the efforts to stop this application from going ahead. It does look as though that TCSC maybe able to get close to the amount that they believe they might need and are very grateful to the local residents who have and are supporting them .
TCSC is awaiting full details of the Public Enquiry , as to what form it will take , when it will be heard and where .They are in touch with EFDC who at present do not want to share information but it’s a “ fluid “ situation . They will keep us posted on developments and added that anyone interested in helping in any way , particularly with a donation or pledge of support would obviously be very very welcome and much appreciated
Please email theydonmountparishcouncil@gmail.com if you wish to contact TCSC to offer your help
What has this got to do with us? Them today, us tomorrow?
If you have any questions, please contact us on theydonmountparishcouncil@gmail.com