Representation by Lindsay Earp
- Date submitted
- 20 March 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The Oaklands solar project is a heavily flawed proposal. This is not the best use of quality agricultural land. In times when food production is vital this should surely take precedence especially as there is plenty of alternative space to accommodate solar panels in the local area. How many of the large industrial and logistic warehouses within a 10 mile radius have solar panels on their roof? The area is filled with huge units which could be utilised saving the land for agricultural uses. The huge proposed development will alter the landscape of the area both through the solar panels themselves but also the increased traffic which the area already struggles with as the local narrow lanes around the proposed area are already used as a rat run between the A38 and M42. The added pressure from additional vehicles will only add to this, making the roads dangerous and not fit for purpose. Also, the proposed area is ‘the national forest’ this is not really in keeping with the original plans for the local land. This is a huge mistake, redevelop brown field sites and utilise existing spaces available as opposed to ruining perfectly good farm land for the next 40 years or so!