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Representation by Alan Bampton

Date submitted
5 March 2022
Submitted by
Members of the public/businesses
  1. When I first saw the proposal document from Sunnica I didn’t realise the sheer size of the project. There was little detail in the document that didn’t use jargon. How can the proposal be carbon neutral when one takes in account the materials used to create the panels, batteries and ancillary equipment, which will almost certainly have to be imported from China; the thousands of HGV movements; the eventual dismantling and disposal of the site when the equipment is life expired? It is highly unlikely that Sunnica will still be around when this happens! 2. There will be tremendous disruption locally when Sunnica will have close roads when they lay cables from the panels to the Burwell sub station, which will also entail the crossing of a railway line and a river. 3. I know of people in the village who have received letters from Sunnica saying their properties would be at risk of compulsory purchase. This was not mentioned in the consultation document. 4. We already have numerous solar farms locally, plus others which are proposed. 5. There is also concern regarding the safety of the huge battery storage facilities proposed, which will be in close proximity to housing. It has been reported in the news recently that since 2012, more than 40 fires and explosions, which release toxic gases, have been reported at sites across the world. 6. Last autumn a meeting was arranged in Freckenham to discuss Sunnica’s proposal. It was attended by over 100 residents and 2 local MP’s. It was noted that representatives from Sunnica were not prepared to attend the meeting to give detailed information for the local population! 7. I am not against solar panels per se, as I had them installed on my own roof about ten years ago. However, I understand that if Sunnica’s proposal goes ahead it will be the largest solar farm in Europe. Why, if it is so essential to have more solar panels, are new houses locally being built without a solar panel in sight? This also goes for other new housing developments. 8. Since Brexit we are being encouraged to buy local produce to reduce “food mileage”. So why can Sunnica be allowed to cover so much farmland when we need to grow as much of our own produce? There has to be a balance to ensure we can continue to produce quality, sustainable food for the nation while also delivering on net zero ambition. This is especially so at the present time with the situation in Ukraine, involving two of the largest wheat producers in the world!