Representation by Friends of Isleham Nature Reserves (Friends of Isleham Nature Reserves)
- Date submitted
- 11 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
Friends of Isleham Nature Reserves wishes to express their concern over the loss of, and disruption to, habitat which will be caused if the Sunnica Energy farm is given planning consent. There is much wildlife in the area and the widespread nature of Sunnica, including the long cable corridors, will remove and disturb many existing habitats. Despite the promises of new habitat creation it will take many years for these to become established. On top of the lengthy construction period this may result in loss of some species from the area – including stone curlew. We are also concerned that the Lee Brook , a chalk stream, will become polluted by run-off from the panels, leading to eutrophication and loss of some rare specis. The noise from the associated equipment may disturb invertebrates as well as humans in the vicinity. The possibility of toxic fumes should one of the batteries fail could result in pollution of a wider area. Food sustainability and food miles are often discussed, to meet the demands of a growing population areas which produce good quality crops must be maintained for food production. Crops grown in this area cannot be grown successfully on all soil types with the possible result that produce is imported. We feel this is a poor use of valuable land.