The Development Control Committee of West Suffolk Council met on Wednesday 5 August 2026 to discuss several planning applications. The committee resolved to refuse planning permission for a proposed solar farm on land south of Knox Lane, Bardwell, due to concerns over landscape impact, noise, landscaping, and the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land. However, they approved a planning application for a supermarket and drive-through restaurant on land north of Rougham Hill, Bury St Edmunds, despite acknowledging a conflict with the council's BREEAM 'Excellent' policy requirement. Finally, permission was granted for the installation of air source heat pumps and a replacement front door at 9 Short Brackland, Bury St Edmunds.

Solar Farm Proposed for Land South of Knox Lane, Bardwell

The committee considered a proposal for a 42-megawatt ground-mounted solar farm on land south of Knox Lane, Bardwell. Savannah Vince, the case officer, presented the application, highlighting the significant public interest and objections received. While acknowledging the benefits of renewable energy generation and the proposal's contribution to a net-zero future, the committee ultimately resolved to refuse planning permission. Councillor Rachel Hood proposed the refusal, citing concerns over accepted harm, the subjective nature of the planning balance, the lack of a bond for decommissioning, glint and glare issues, cumulative impacts, noise, doubts about biodiversity net gain, inadequate Section 106 contributions, archaeology, and highway concerns. Councillor Mike Chester seconded the motion, adding concerns about food security and the industrial classification of land use. The refusal was carried by eight votes to three.

Supermarket and Drive-Through Restaurant Approved for Land North of Rougham Hill, Bury St Edmunds

The committee then discussed a planning application for a supermarket and drive-through restaurant on land north of Rougham Hill, Bury St Edmunds. Connor Vince, the case officer, presented the application, noting that it had been previously 'minded to refuse' by the committee due to conflicts with Local Plan Policy LP1 (BREEAM 'Excellent' requirement) and LP41 (active travel measures). Following a risk assessment and further information, the applicant had agreed to include conditions for workplace changing facilities to address LP41. However, the BREEAM 'Excellent' requirement remained unmet, with the scheme achieving a 'Very Good' rating. Councillor Jon London proposed refusal, citing the failure to meet LP1 and the reputational risk for the council. Councillor Lora-Jane Miller-Jones seconded this. However, the motion for refusal was lost by four votes to six. Councillor Carol Bull then proposed approval in line with the officer's recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Mike Chester. The application was subsequently approved by six votes to four.

Air Source Heat Pumps and Front Door Replacement Approved for 9 Short Brackland, Bury St Edmunds

Finally, the committee considered a planning application for the installation of two air source heat pumps and a replacement front door at 9 Short Brackland, Bury St Edmunds. Philip Crutchlow, the case officer, presented the application, noting that it was referred to the committee as West Suffolk Council was the applicant. The proposal was supported by Bury St Edmunds Town Council and the Conservation Officer, who highlighted that the replacement front door would enhance the character of the Conservation Area. No objections were received from neighbours or statutory consultees. Councillor Jon London proposed approval, which was seconded by Councillor Marilyn Sayer. The application was unanimously approved.