Representation by Nick Parsons
- Date submitted
- 16 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am writing to register as an interested party and to make the following representation and objections to this application: • The proposed site is far too large in size (equivalent to over 2000- football pitches), completely out of balance with the rural countryside, and would have a significant negative impact on the environment, wildlife, people, and the landscape of this beautiful part of the country • I am a supporter of renewal energy initiatives, but these proposals are completely out of proportion, turning a rural area and agricultural land into an industrial zone. We should not be using prime arable land for solar power at a time (for example Ukrainian Crisis) when we should be aiming to be food self-sufficient in the UK ( currently only 60% self-sufficient). We should be using brownfield sites, new developments (domestic and commercial) for solar power. • I am opposed to the three huge battery storage units near to residential areas in view of the potential dangers (from leakage, fire, explosion) and there is no case for their inclusion in these proposals. This not about storing electricity from the solar panels but its about making money for Sunnica and its shareholders by buying electricity when its cheap, storing it, and selling it back to the grid when its more expensive. I can see no other reason for battery units of this size and capacity. • You indicate that during the build phase there will be an estimated 310 HGV trips per day with up to 966 staff commuting to the sites per day. These journeys will take place on rural roads and through villages in the vicinity, that are clearly not designed to take this volume of traffic and especially not HGVs. Living just off the High Street in Chippenham, I am deeply concerned about the impact this will have on the historic buildings and the quality of life for our communities. As far as I am aware, there has been no impact assessment of the damage that may be caused to historic and domestic buildings that may be affected by these HGVs journeys • Sunnica has been elusive and difficult to engage throughout the consultation period. They have failed consult properly with local residents and communities by only meeting the minimal requirements which they are required to do. Not since July 2019 have Sunnica and their management appeared in the villages affected to answer residents’ concerns and questions. This is frankly unacceptable but at the same time it summarises their approach throughout the process. They are not really interested in facing up to residents and their questions and concerns.