PLANS for a solar farm on a popular jam manufacturer site are proving to be controversial with residents.

Wilkin and Sons Ltd submitted plans for a solar power generation facility to be developed on a 25-acre area of land on its site in Factory Hill.

The plans have received five public objections from concerned residents.

One resident said: “I have asked some of the many Tiptree residents who walk the public footbath, with dogs or without, besides this field.

“None have seen a publicly posted notice on a board near the field.

“All were dismayed to hear their enjoyment of the countryside views was about to be hijacked.

“Can the solar panels not go on a field further out and as such not enjoyed or walked past by so many villagers.”

Tiptree Parish Council discussed the plans for a solar power generation facility in the Wilkin and Sons Ltd site in Factory Hill.

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Councillors decided there are no formal objections to the application.

The council has raised concerns about construction traffic and has advised a more suitable route.

A spokesman for Tiptree Parish Council said: “The council is concerned about construction traffic passing through the village centre in Church Road.

“In this respect the usual route for southbound traffic should be via Station Road and Braxted Park Road – not as indicated in proposed routes two and three.”

Colchester Council will have the final say.