Representation by Ann Traher
- Date submitted
- 10 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I attended the Sunnica consultation meeting at Red Lodge last night. I have no objection to solar power and renewable energy as this is the future. I object to the size and location of the batteries and the fact they could give us no information on them last night. It seems that State approval needs to be given before the final design of the batteries is finalised. I am concerned that in the case of a fire that the fire services may not know how to cope with this. Luke mentioned that there would be no concrete base as it would cost too much money so where does the fire water runoff go to? Lithium is not the most stable of elements I work in a lab where even very small lithium batteries have to have a special way of disposal. Lithium in mined in parts of the world using salt water depletion turning the water into fresh water. Not very environmentally friendly. He mentioned +96% of the land is low grade arable but around this area we grow potatoes, carrots and onions which need a higher grade soil. It is not good to come to an open forum without all the facts, figures and pertinent information at your finger tips. Luke did not cover himself in glory! I am an equestrian and ride my horse around the bridleways and roads of the locality I am concerned about the increase of lorries on rural roads over the 2 year construction phase. We ride along Bridleway TL690726 which is from Elms Road to Worlington also Bridleway Grid Ref: TL6807870967. Footpaths as well are going to be affected. Despite being asked what were the benefits beside business rates to the local community this was glossed over. I have seen the plans and there are some nice looking habitats this was not really expanded on. It is my choice to live in a rural environment, so I can enjoy dog walking and horse riding. It is good for mental health as seen by the many articles during the pandemic - what we dont want to see are rows and rows of solar panels. There is a small solar park alongside Chalk Hill and the A11 which we only know is there when the sun shines onto our car windows as we drive pass. The scheme is purported to be carbon neutral but will take 4/5 years to achieve this. Asked if importing grain to replace the cereal that is lost had been figured in to the calculation's it had not been. When decommissioned in 40 years time we cannot recycle solar panels and as for the batteries where will they go? I am pretty sure looking at Sunnica and its associated companies ie WSE Nottingham Lane Ltd etc they well not be here in 40 years. Communication in any discussion is key and it was a step in the right direction that representatives came to address the concerns of the local community. It was also apparent that the communication to one affected stud owner was very poor. I believe that you and the Government are speaking the same language which is different to the local councillors and local community.