Representation by Kevin de Trafford
- Date submitted
- 27 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Issues in respect of the rationale of the project: The proposal in effect takes over 2000 acres of agricultural land out of production. Given recent events across the world both geopolitically and climate based, the need to limit our nations reliance on imported food supplies is paramount. As such, agricultural land should not be used for this purpose with brownfield sites surely being a better option. Planning policy is clear solar should only be built on BMV (Best and Most Versatile) land as a last resort. Latest Mallard Pass calculations suggest 41% of the land proposed for solar is BMV which ignores planning guidance. Solar is hugely inefficient as source of energy only delivering 11% of its stated capacity on average in the UK (350MW suggested max proposed by Mallard Pass). The lifespan of Solar Units is short at around 25 years. With costs of construction only covered after 10 years. If allowance is also made for decommissioning of the site or renewal of panels at the end of their useful life, the case for cost efficiency is questionable, particularly when taking in to account the cost of lost food production to the community. Operational issues: The proposed site is some 2,105 acres.The sheer unprecedented scale and topography means that it is not possible to eradicate or screen all the different adverse impacts. The local landscape will be changed to an industrial-scape with 560,000 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. Flood risk concerns off-site discounted by Mallard Pass. There must be a need for full modelling of the impact of installing panels which will dramatically change the manner in which rainfall is absorbed and flows to the surrounding water courses. This could significantly effect the downstream flood risk and as such must be considered. Impact on mental health of residents/locals not considered. Visual amenity of public rights of way (PRoWs) significantly compromised, despite addition of permissive paths. Construction issues: 2 years of noise, light pollution, disruption and damage across 2,105 acre site and surrounding area. Extensive construction traffic, comprising both significant HGV movements in and out of the site along with up to 400 workers a day on-site; Working hours 7-7 Mon to Sat, through Ryhall, Essendine, Great Casterton and surrounding areas especially in the vicinity of 7 construction compounds. Cabling to new sub-station may now run through Essendine on A6121 with Mallard Pass seeking compulsory acquisition 'rights’.