Representation by Nigel A.S. Kettle
- Date submitted
- 16 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have known the proposed site well for more than 60 years, having lived in Stamford, worked in Essendine and spent many happy hours wandering in the countryside, travelling on the area's footpaths and roads. Due to my interest in railways I have spent countless hours by the East Coast mainline since the late 1950s. My Grandfather was the Stationmaster at Little Bytham before and during WW2 and watched the Mallard pass by in excess of 120mph on its record run. I know the area as productive agricultural land which is desperately needed for food production in view of our growing population and ever increasing dependence on other nations for vital supplies. it is also very pleasant and relatively unspoilt scenic countryside. I was utterly appalled to learn of the intended solar farm, both in terms of the proposed desecration of the countryside I know and love and particularly of the vast area the solar farm is intended to cover. There are plenty of brownfield sites which could be used if huge numbers of solar panels have to be erected anywhere: these panels belong on roofs where they can be camouflaged and relatively unobtrusive. This would also result in the electricity being produced much closer to the areas where it is needed and will be consumed. It is my understanding that solar power is particularly unproductive in comparison with wind farms, both on- and particularly offshore. I also believe that the solar panels have a limited active life and cannot be recycled so are likely to become landfill when life-expired. It also appears that a major purpose of the "Mallard Pass" eyesore, should it come to pass, is to generate vast corporate profits for predominantly non-British organisations. I also find the use of the name of the magnificent world-beating Gresley pacific Mallard objectionable, clearly chosen to attempt to add credibility to the scheme. I would suggest that the project be renamed "Lame Duck Farm" or "Ugly Duckling Farm".