Representation by Isleham Parish Council (Isleham Parish Council)
- Date submitted
- 14 February 2022
- Submitted by
- Parish councils
This scheme is flawed. Its proposed benefits are completely outweighed by the economic, environmental and wellbeing costs, the need for increased food production and to become a more independent and economically competitive nation. There are far more efficient and less damaging ways to generate renewable electricity. We particular object to: The size, scale and positioning of this proposal which: - would completely change the rural enviroment and character of village communities in this area. - falls less than 400m from the edge of our village. The loss of prime agricultural farmland which: - produces high yielding, quality crops throughout the year - would result in increased; amounts of imported food, transportation costs, pollution and unemployment, especially agriculture related. The repalcement of beautiful rural views with: - thousands of 2.5m high solar panels - huge banks of 2 storey high batteries - visually intimidating fencing The proposed inefficient design of the project which: - is nothing more than an opportunistic, 'hotch-potch' design, based on availability of land, not efficient energy production. - includes a 15-mile supply trench, which would lose considerable amount of generated electricity The proposed technology poses unacceptable risk and dangers to the health, safety and wellbeing of residents: - Lithium-ion batteries are highly combustible, producing deadly hydrogen fluoride fumes - damage and deterioration of panels would result in significant pollution to the soil and through run off into our chalk stream, The Lee Brook. The inefficiency of the proposal and the availability of better alternatives including: - the reducing efficiency of solar panels and changing tariffs all question its viability Proposals for decommissioning the site fails to: - detail how 154,000 solar panels would be recycled or toxic waste disposed of - include a sufficient enough financial bond - set a realistic timescale for the return of the site to productive farmland. The detrimental impact that the construction proposals will have on both residents and the local environment. - none of the proposed sites are positioned on major routes. - construction would have an unacceptable detremental impact on the environment and wellbeing of residents The complete lack of effective screening and landscaping which will - destroy rural views - take between 5-10 years before planting obscures the panels and 6m high Batteries - the unrealistic grassing schedule The fi¬nancial position and professional capability of Sunnica who have: - a negative balance of £181k - no significant track record of managing such projects - have little genuine interest in renewable energy but are simply speculators Complete lack of benefits to the local community including: - the creation of few long-term local employment opportunities. - fail to supply sustainable energy to local housing - no integral requirement to benefit the local community The destruction of wildlife corridors and nesting and feeding habitats, especially of birds such as Stone Curlew, Lapwings, Marsh Harriers, Buzzards and Barn Owl. The lack of proper and diligent consultation. Sunnica have refused to undertake any direct dialogue with Isleham residents