Representation by Fiona Kenyon
- Date submitted
- 8 January 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have a number of concerns about the development. First , the sheer, unprecedented scale of the installation is just way out of proportion to the nature of the environment and the small villages which surround it. Its impact on the area would be immense, not least to the already failing surfaces on the network of narrow roads which would be used during the construction of Mallard Farm. The high fencing necessary to protect the site, the floodlighting and the solar panels themselves will all be totally out of keeping with the essentially rural character of the area,. Second, this land is prime agricultural land, which is presently used for crops. Surely we need agricultural capability . What will become of this land, once the solar farm has served its term, as it is by no means certain that it will be, or will be able to be, returned to agricultural use. Third, there are associated risks which pose a threat to nearby communities. Flooding and the threat from lithium batteries used to store surplus electricity, which I understand can be prone to emitting toxic fumes. Fourth , I am extremely concerned about the potential fire risk which Mallard Farm would present . Fifth, what will happen when these solar panels come to the end of their life, how will they be disposed of ? I am completely in favour of the search for alternative sources of energy, and am not against solar panels in principle. However, this development appears to be completely over the top . In view of all the above points, I feel strongly that this proposal should be rejected .