Representation by Mrs Linda Breeze
- Date submitted
- 11 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
OBJECTIONS TO SUNNICA ENERGY FARM SIZE AND LOCATION Solar farms have their place in providing non-fossil fuel energy but they should be sympathetic to the surrounding environment. Sunnica's proposed site covering 2500 acres, which abut a number of settlements, is too large. There are already many small solar farms within a few miles radius of the proposed Sunnica development which are more suitable for this area. ?CARBON NEUTRAL Sunnica has yet to say whether the solar farm will be carbon neutral. From information available the construction and decommissioning of said farm would not fill this criterion. INFRASTRUCTURE It is not clear who will be responsible for repairing damage caused by construction traffic to roads, drains, grass verges, bridle way and footpaths. As all profits generated will go to Spain, the local area and British economy will not benefit; therefore this should not be another burden on the county council/tax payer. MAINTENANCE OF FOOD PRODUCTION With the fast changing worldwide political scene it is essential we retain as much agricultural land as possible to feed our increasing population. With Sunnica we would lose 2500 acres of this valuable agricultural portfolio for 40 years. IMPACT ON POPULATION The close proximity of solar panels and storage batteries to village dwellings is unacceptable and will impact hugely on the quality of life of the residents. The disruption caused to businesses and the daily lives of residents during construction is of considerable concern. BESS BATTERY UNITS With the planned siting of these storage units close to residentail areas and schools the lethal dangers have not been addressed, i.e. the units can ignite and produce toxic/poisonous gases. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The enormous impact of Sunnica on the environment is difficult to quantify. The loss of many wildlife habitats in East Anglia to new builds, with more birds and mammals becoming endangered, is another reason this industrial size solar farm should not go ahead. This area has a unique landscape with bio diverse habitats, which are appreciated by residents and visitors alike. This unique landscape has an important role to play in supporting the rural community. MAINTENANCE AND DECOMMISSIONING Responsibility for this should be legally binding and enforceable. POOR CONSULTATION No bold logo on envelopes so often discarded as junk mail. Print in booklets/leaflets small and light coloured so difficult to decipher. Names of villages/towns omitted so hard to get sense of location. Residents without the internet are inadequately catered for. RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY Solar energy is only one of the renewable technologies which are continuing to be developed and improved. Anaerobic digesters are a much cleaner/carbon neutral option with the advantage of retaining valuable Greenfield sites for future generations. Nuclear fusion may be an option well before the end of the 40 year life span of Sunnica.