Representation by Mark Hodgkiss
- Date submitted
- 27 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I object to this project on the following grounds; 1. Size - despite Rutland being the smallest county in the country, this project, if constructed would be the largest solar plant in the UK to date. The size is wholly inappropriate for the area and the impact on livelihoods in the community will be devastating. 2. Poor Consultation - the land was acquired through various NDAs with local farmers being unable to discuss with other farmers or members of the community. The whole process seems underhand and dishonest. 3. Arable Land - given the growing energy and food insecurities in this country over the past 12 months, denying the use of over 2000 acres of prime arable farmland is madness. Why not use existing infrastructure and mount solar panels on roofs or along motorways or even airfields where there is no other use and wildlife are not affected. 4. Energy Security - I'm all for green energy and feel this is the way to go. However, the company in question has a documented history over human rights abuses in their supply chain, with the US Government imposing sanctions on some of their suppliers. Why can we not use UK companies to produce a solution for UK solar and renewable energy? Handing yet more energy projects and development to foreign countries is madness. It's time we woke up!