Representation by Lana Cowell
- Date submitted
- 2 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I recognise that climate change is the most significant global challenge facing the world today. We need to move away from use of fossil fuels and increase the amount of energy generated from renewables. There needs to be a mix of energy sources, including onshore and offshore wind, tidal and wave electricity and solar [and nuclear]. The energy mix needs to take into account the whole life environment and economic costs of each energy source, not only construction and operating costs, but also of decommissioning and land remediation. The placement of energy generating plants needs to take into account the impact on local environment and to improve the UK’s food security. I am not in favour of the proposed development of Oaklands Farm Solar Park due to the following factors: • Using good farmland for energy, is not in line with the UK’s need to increase food security. There are local brown field sites that could be utilised, e.g. Warehouse roofs • Loss of arable and pasture land • Harmful to wildlife and habitats • Permanent changes to the rural landscape, altering the peaceful and beautiful nature of the rural surroundings • Impact on an already poor infrastructure. Roads that are not designed to take construction traffic, adding more wear and tear to the country lanes that are already in urgent need of repair • Increased traffic, and the likelihood of abnormal loads being rerouted through the village (Coton in the Elms) • Increase in flooding, as more hard-standing on the site will increase rainwater fall-off • Noise and visible pollution to the local area during construction • Continued noise after construction (high pitched electrical hum) • Impact on safety from the glint and glare of the panels. Protective screening being erected to protect drivers from being dazzled • Loss of views and amenity • Few local employment opportunities in the long term, compared to farming • Industrialisation of a rural area of South Derbyshire • No direct benefit to the local community, who will be affected by the direct loss of amenity, flora and fauna, and the impact of traffic though their villages