Representation by Jenny Moss
- Date submitted
- 16 February 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Management of land beneath and around Sunnica solar PV arrays during operational phase Overall, I support the Sunnica application, but have concerns about site management once the construction phase is over and the operational phase begins. Habitat for pollinators is declining globally, threatening the health of both wild and agricultural ecosystems. The Sunnica project provides a wonderful opportunity to create a huge area of grassland, managed for the benefit of wildflowers, wildlife and pollinators. Disappointingly, this has not been included in the application. I have read The Environmental Statement (Vol 6, 6.1 Chapter 8, Ecology and Nature Conservation) but could find nothing on this topic. The document explains how hedges, woodland, offsetting areas and grassland areas within the sites are to be managed sensitively with regard to biodiversity and other environmental concerns, but it does not deal with the land beneath the actual PV arrays. This is a serious omission, as the PV solar arrays will cover approximately 80% of the total area. Whilst welcome, the designated wildflower zones included in the application are insufficient. The application should be revised to specify the creation and maintenance of wildflower-rich grassland below the PV arrays, including details of the proposed mowing regime. This is a unique opportunity to create hundreds of acres of biodiverse, pollinator-friendly habitat. When seeking planning consent, it is easy for developers to talk about natural methods of grass and weed control. Unfortunately, in reality, operators often rely on herbicides and/or regular mowing, which eradicate or suppress wildflowers. For that reason, consent, if given, should include financial penalties for non-compliance.