Representation by Barton under Needwood Parish Council (Barton under Needwood Parish Council)
- Date submitted
- 8 April 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
To the best of our knowledge this is the first time we have been consulted on this proposal. We, therefore, apologise in advance if the issues we set out below have already been considered. If indeed that is the case, then we would be grateful if we could be referenced to appropriate documents. The proposal is for a large solar farm located in a kind of inverted T-shaped area to the east of Walton on Trent and to the west of Rosliston. The main body of the proposal appears to be lie in an area to the south-west of Rosliston. As the proposal is substantial, we understand that it falls into the category of a nationally significant infrastructure project which requires a Development Consent Order and will be determined by the Secretary of State and not South Derbyshire District Council, as Local Planning Authority. As an adjoining Staffordshire Parish Council, we admit that we are not directly affected but, having now read some of the material, we would like to set out a number of issues:- The loss of agricultural land – From what we have read about the national guidance for solar farms, we understand that it favors previously developed, brownfield sites, industrial land and low grade agricultural land. There appears to have been no consideration of such alternative previously developed locations and their reasons for rejection before focusing on this present site. We understand the convenience of the National Grid hub nearby at the former Drakelow coal fired power station. That site is brownfield as is the nearby former Willington power station site also with National Grid connection. - We, therefore, do not know the justification for this particular site, and why greenfield land is the only option. We do not know the agricultural classification of this agricultural land. There appears to be no information about whether even with the solar farm any continued agricultural use might be viable, including any opportunity to improve biological diversity with suitable planting within the site; - The need for agricultural land vs renewable energy – As the country is currently experiencing a cost of living crisis with food inflation at a very high level, with imported food shortages much more an issue now that at this time in 2022, we would have thought that there was a priority to retain as much agricultural land as possible. We also support the move to be carbon neutral and, therefore, we feel that this proposal raises the question about how do you make a decision between two laudable objectives. The information we have received and read relates to the practicalities of the proposal and there is very little about its justification and, as a consequence, why solar power should be given precedence over an agricultural use; - Flexibility of any decision – We understand that solar farms are intended to be temporary structures and can be removed when no longer in use or required. In the light of the nation’s need for food we were wondering if conditions could be attached to Development Consent Orders so that there was some flexibility to revert all or part of the site to agriculture should it be required in the national interest; - Reflection issues – Whilst we assume that most panels will be south facing, can they be maneuvered so as to face the sun as a means of capturing the optimum energy at any point in time? If that is the case, then is the sun’s reflection on the panels likely to cause health and safety problems or hazards? We are mindful of the village being located to the west of the site; - Security issues – is there likely to be any issues regarding security fencing and any light pollution? We are aware of a solar farm at Tutbury, for example, which seems to use drones for surveillance purposes. Will that be the case in this location? - Who benefits from the energy? – Recently Government politicians supporting fracking, for example, have suggested that there may be some local cost benefits in terms of reduced energy bills for those communities supporting such proposals. Whilst we note the community benefits fund to support local projects, could the wider benefits of the proposal to the particular local area be more clearly delineated? Public Footpaths -We understand the footpaths in the area of the site are popular with walkers from Barton. We see on your landscaping strategy plan that the public rights of way are marked. We presume therefore that they will be retained and would like reassurance on this. - Traffic impacts – we assume that the proposal for the solar farm was partly predicated on the construction of the Walton bypass as a means of mitigating the impact of both construction and operational traffic. As a local Parish Council, we are particularly concerned at a noticeable increase in through traffic in the village in recent years. Please can you provide any assurances the construction or operational traffic will not use our village? The necessary delay to the construction of the Walton Bypass and associated river crossing and the restrictions on the A513 Chetwynd Bridge at Alrewas will require heavy construction traffic to approach the site through already largely unsuitable rural roads within South Derbyshire.