Representation by Darren McVee
- Date submitted
- 7 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
IN general I support this initiative and the need for renewable energy. I have the following concerns: The large scale of the project - Sunnica Ltd have no experience at this scale. The sites use greenbelt land which will be lost. Why not brownfield or solar panels on existing commercial and industrial buildings? Carbon footprint when built - shipping in panels and batteries. Carbon footprint when end of life - safe disposal and environmental impact of rare earth metals. The greenfield sites that are being used are agricultural land and provide habitats for wildlife and fauna. Demand for food producing land will increase in the future with the drive for meat-free farming. At end of life the land will be considered ‘brownfield’ and therefore further development will take place. Permanent loss of farmland. No long term employment opportunities for people in the area. Nothing offered to the community as compensation - for example cycle ways etc. There is no additional meaningful local employment.