Representation by Catherine Eaton
- Date submitted
- 2 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to put forward my views in opposing the scheme proposed by Oaklands Farm Solar Ltd. My main issues are Fundamental change to the regeneration plans for our historic landscape - the proposed site will be located within the heart of the National Forest. The National Forrest was created over 20 years ago as a prestigious project to regenerate our Midland’s landscape which includes the villages of Rosliston and Walton-on Trent. The local forest areas are now developing a woodland culture in our neighbourhoods, helping to solve the climate crisis, restoring biodiversity, creating prosperity in the area and enhancing the wellbeing of local people and tourists. I am proud of our landscape which is now one of rolling farmland and new planted woodland and I deeply object to the solar farm development as it is an inappropriate development in the area. It is not compatible with the vision and benefits of the national forest. The proposed site will introduce a fundamental change to agricultural land and result in harm to the character of the forest setting and its purposes. The development will encroach into the surrounding agricultural areas of our countryside and have significant negative visual impacts. Dis-benefits to the community – the benefits of the development highlighted by Oaklands Farm Solar Limited are rather insulting to the intelligence and experience of local people. The proposed annual community benefit of £55k a year is a pittance compared to the profits the company will make from the project. Over time inflation will eat away at the amount available to the community, given the target inflation rate of 2% the £55k will be worth only £26k in 2064. Local climate goals (see above on national policy for tackling climate change through woodland development) Impacts on ecology – the existing farmland is of good quality and should be used for farming. Our hedgerows will be protected by law under the legislation that the Government is due to introduce – so this aspect is irrelevant. It is difficult to rationalise how the proposed energy storage comprising of batteries and electrical components housed in up to 91 steel shipping containers approximately 3 meters high, covering about 2 acres of the site would have a positive impact on the environment. I also have concerns about the safety of the incredibly large batteries on site used to store electricity. Socio economics – we need permanent jobs for local people, other solar schemes have not created significant permanent jobs. Can Oaklands Farm Solar Ltd guarantee that local businesses will win contracts? The visual impact of the solar panels and storage facility will have a negative impact on the local economic plan to develop outdoor recreational tourism in the area. Who would want to visit a forest of trees in the glare of solar panels?