Representation by Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher
- Date submitted
- 11 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I strongly object to the size and scale of the proposed Mallard Pass solar farm. I accept that we need alternative energy sources but at 2,105 acres, it is eight times the size of the UK’s largest solar plant. Its impact on the local area is not acceptable, particularly being built on prime agricultural land. Government guidelines state that energy projects should not be built on best and most versatile land. Despite this, 41% of the proposed site is BMV and the rest is graded 3B. I am concerned about its environmental impact. I live in the area affected and walk regularly over public footpaths - nature is abundant and the solar farm would turn the area into a monoculture. There is a wider impact too on the mental health of locals who live in this area intentionally as they value the restorative nature of the countryside. I have grave concerns about the allegations of Uyghur forced labour by the primary developer [Redacted]. How can the UK government that brought about a modern slavery act that has been in force since 2015 find this acceptable? I also understand that the United States Commerce Department has sanctioned organisations within [Redacted] supply chain such as [Redacted] for human rights breaches. Are these really organisations we can entrust our national energy infrastructure to? Properties on Essendine’s Bourne Road are nearly all subject to compulsory acquisitions in the final application. This seems a wholly unnecessary move on an established community and has left residents with great uncertainty and lack of information. I strongly urge the government to stop this proposal, and rethink its size, scale and impact on the local area.