Representation by Frances Bycroft
- Date submitted
- 15 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I would like to object strongly to this ill-conceived scheme which has no place in our lives, on the basis of the following points: - The batteries pose a huge risk and are far too near settlements. The danger of toxic substances getting into the aquifers is a risk to serious to take. The batteries in themselves are thus a prime terrorist target and proximity to nearby airforce bases must be taken into account here. - The project poses a threat to food security just at a time when we need to be focusing on sustainability and feeding a growing population economically. - The project threatens local employment, particularly in farming and numbers involved in maintaining the solar farm are paltry in comparison. - Solar energy is not efficient in this country and with our climatic conditions. - The carbon footprint of this project would be considerable and far greater than people imagine when the chain of construction and materials is calculated. Hardware from China just doesn't make any sense. Furthermore, food which would not be produced on this land would have to be produced elsewhere and imported, thus adding to the carbon footprint. - Why not look at existing vast expanses of space for such a project, such as warehouse roofs? - Overall, the whole scheme is far too close to settlement and the disruption, damage and danger is completely unjustifiable. - For residents who have grown up in this area and those who have moved here and come to appreciate its unique rural landscapes, proximity to nature and connection with our shared heritage, this scheme is a disaster. What the land means to us and the ways of life that it has nurtured over many centuries must be taken into account. Destroying this natural and delicate balance will have devastating effects upon the mental well being of thousands of people. There will be distress, misery and pressure on the NHS as a result and an exodus of those who can afford to leave. The value of the area will plummet in terms of desirability and natural beauty. House prices and land prices will fall. What consideration has there been for wildlife and the natural wildlife corridors which traverse this whole landscape? - A scheme like this should not and cannot proceed at this time of uncertainty and economic pressure. People are already enduring so much. This is neither the time nor the place for something so destructive and which does not benefit the local population or help with energy prices. Think again, please.