Representation by The National Horseracing Museum (The National Horseracing Museum)
- Date submitted
- 9 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
I have grave concerns about the suitability of the Sunnica Energy Farm which is being presented to the local community on its green credentials in which there are several flaws. Not only is it taking over 2,500 acres of extremely valuable farm land which could be producing food for our country, even more crucial to the UK needs and economy as a result of the current situation in Ukraine. The land is unlikely to be returned to its former agricultural use after 40 years, but will become a brownfield site, ripe for development. I understand there will be no meaningful local employment as it is to be built by a company from Yorkshire. The 77 acres of battery energy storage compounds (BESS) which are to be built close to residential homes will create a real and significant risk to the community. In the event of fire, the poisonous gases created, lethal in the tiniest of amounts will wreak untold devastation on the health and lives of the families in those homes. Newmarket is a small rural town, it is one of very few single industry towns left in the country today and the town’s major employer is the racing industry. The proposed Sunnica Energy Farm would surround the heathland of Newmarket, preserved for the past 350 years for the training of racehorses, the impact of this farm would be devastating for the future of the heathland and in turn the racing industry and the heath should be a protected site for future generations to enjoy. This scheme is an excellent example of BAD solar and it should be stopped.