Tawney Common in Essex is a small and picturesque hamlet two miles east of Epping. It is an area of unspoiled beauty with a scattering of listed buildings, enjoyed not just by residents, but by everyone who visits or passes through, from ramblers and cyclists to dog walkers and bird watchers.

But Tawney Common is under threat: solar farm developer ib Vogt will soon submit a planning application to build a solar farm on 95 acres of agricultural land to the east of the common. If their application is successful, the development will profoundly and negatively change the countryside around us. A vast chunk of productive agricultural land will be covered by thousands of 3 metre high solar panels, penned in by wire fences and CCTV camera posts.

Why you should care

Regardless of where you live, this affects you - this is YOUR countryside. This isn't just about Tawney Common. Because if ib Vogt’s planning application is approved, it may embolden developers to apply to develop solar farms on green spaces near you. Today it’s Tawney Common, but tomorrow it could be agricultural land or fields around Epping, or Theydon Bois, or Ongar, or Loughton… this could happen next to a green space where you live.

About us

The local community, and interested parties far and wide, have come together to oppose this development. We care passionately about protecting our heritage, and defending the countryside from damaging and irreversible development.

Why donate?

By donating to this cause, you’re helping us pay for professional advice, with which we will build a case to oppose this development. Donations will also go towards print and online advertising which will encourage people to write directly to the council – the more people who oppose the development, the better chance we have of winning the battle.

Solar power right or wrong?

Please note, we’re not campaigning about the rights or wrongs of solar farms – we all agee we need better energy security, but there is a right place for solar developments and this isn’t it. This fundraiser is about protecting the countryside for everyone.

Please give what you can to help save your countryside from development.