Views, Walks & Rides: Spoiled, Re-routed & Industrialised

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 Walking, running, cycling and riding  in the countryside are great ways to exercise. Many studies have shown that time in the natural environment is good for us whether exercising or not, boosting physical and mental health.  

 The People and Nature Survey, led by Natural England revealed that almost 9 in 10 adults in England said that being in nature made them very happy with 4 out of 10 adults spending more time in nature than before the coronavirus pandemic. The main reasons cited for getting outside and visiting natural spaces were health and well-being, to get some fresh air and to connect with wildlife and nature. And let's not forget the plethora of ancient monuments, unique churches and other buildings that we see when we're out, that are part of the heritage and culture of the landscape which will be decimated  by the RES proposal. 

There are Quiet Lanes around here to help us all benefit from the setting in which we live. We can stroll over the Commons and see the natural world for miles around. It is something to be treasured and conserved.

We say that there is nothing natural about 300 acres of solar panels producing blinding glint and glare combined with the high pitched screeching of 13 shipping container sized inverters! Our public rights of way and commons have existed for centuries and our Quiet Lanes  have just recently come into being, all helping  people to connect with the natural world. Why allow them to be replaced with walks through an industrialised landscape and road safety issues on our Quiet Lanes? Let East Suffolk Council know your feelings in your letter of objection when the planning application from RES goes in. 

There are at least 8 public rights of way (PROW) that either cross or are adjacent to the proposed development. One of the best known is The Angles Way which like some of the other walks provide views of significant heritage assets such as St Andrews Church (Grade 1 Listed), Viewpoint (Grade 2 Listed) Mettingham Hall  (Grade 2* Listed), The Red Barn (Grade 2 Listed). 

These views are going to change dramatically with the fronts, sides and backs of 3.6 metre solar panels ruining the views including for over a mile of The Angles Way. Some PROW that cross fields today and provide expansive views of the beautiful North Suffolk countryside will simply be corridors through a solar farm with panels and tall deer fencing flanking either side. 

 It is not clear at this time which PROW are due to be changed but we know that some will be diverted. We also therefore don't know what additional distance this means for many of the circular walks these PROW form part of. 

We do know that RES erroneously suggested that at least one PROW was not used by walkers and residents. Google location data proves otherwise. If you want to save the walks around Shipmeadow, Barsham, Ilketshall St Andrew and Ilketshall St John , when the time comes you need to object and let the Parish and East Suffolk Council know just how much of a benefit these walks are to you, your family and your firends.