Representation by Braceborough and Wilsthorpe Parish Council (Braceborough and Wilsthorpe Parish Council)
- Date submitted
- 23 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Parish councils
Braceborough and Wilsthorpe Parish Council relevant representation to Mallard Pass Solar Farm Dear Sirs To be clear, Braceborough and Wilsthorpe Parish Council on behalf of the Parishioners strongly oppose the construction of Mallard Pass Solar Farm for the following reasons; Construction issues: • 2 years of noise, light pollution, disruption and damage across the 2,105 acre site and surrounding area. • *Cabling to new sub-station may now run through Essendine with Mallard Pass seeking compulsory acquisition ‘rights’. • Extensive traffic measures through Ryhall, Essendine, Great Casterton and surrounding areas especially in the vicinity of 7 construction compounds. • 80, 400 and 1000 tonne HGV loads. • Up to 400 workers a day on-site; working hours 7am-7pm Mon to Sat. • Public rights or way (PRoW) will be closed and/or diverted when required. • Complete uncertainty for future generations as the application has no time limit. • Will the funding be secure for decommissioning, if not there could be a solar graveyard when it shuts down? Note: The draft DCO (Development Consent Order) outlines the compulsory acquisition ‘rights’, whether permanent or temporary. Peoples’ property/boundary will be affected in some way. Existing rights may either be extinguished or suspended for the duration of the solar farm, or during construction. Causing major uncertainty and mental stress to those households. Operational issues: • Site 2,105 acres (c1,300 football pitches), solar area 1,052 acres (1,312 acres including field margins). The sheer unprecedented scale and topography means you cannot eradicate or screen all the adverse impacts. • No benefits directly for the community, the energy produced will be used across the UK as required. Local electricity tariff will not be cheaper as a result. • The local landscape will be changed to an industrial-scape with 530,000 solar panels 3.3m high; security fencing and CCTV; solar stations or shipping containers housing inverters/transformers dotted across the solar area. • New sub-station will be visible & audible for Essendine residents on A6121. • Solar is hugely inefficient as a source of energy, only delivering 11% of its stated capacity on average in the UK. • Loss of productive quality agricultural land at a time we need to protect our food production; solar should be on rooftops or brownfield sites. Mallard Pass’s reduced estimate of BMV (Best and Most Versatile) land is 41%, land that should not be developed on according to planning policy. (Note: *needs validating, previously quoted 53%). • Flood risk concerns discounted by Mallard Pass. • Impact on mental health of residents/locals not considered. Visual amenity of public rights of way (PRoWs) will be significantly compromised, despite addition of permissive paths. • There will be a massive detrimental impact on the bio-diversity of the area and wildlife will lose their habitat. Of future concern: Windel are open in their application that they will sell out should they achieve planning approval. Solar farms are notorious for schemes constantly being sold on which makes it difficult to control their future development. I sincerely hope that you take our legitimate concerns fully into account when reaching your decision David Kentish – Chairman Braceborough and Wilsthorpe Parish Council