Representation by Janet Kirkwood
- Date submitted
- 28 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am opposed to the proposed Mallard Pass Solar Farm project (ENO10127) in and around Essendine Rutland, to create a solar farm for the following reasons: The solar farm will be created on good quality agricultural land which is needed for the production of food in the UK. The recent and current situation with regard to shortages of food grown in the UK and the need for food security clearly show that good agricultural land should not be used for solar farms. Solar power is important as a green source of energy to UK's aim of a net zero carbon energy position but there are many brownfield sites which would be suitable for solar farms. Equally solar panels should be located on roofs. The potential for this has not been realised and until it has proposed solar farms on good quality agricultural land should be rejected. All projections related to food production show the need to maximise our potential as a country to grow more of the food we consume. If the Mallard Pass project is approved it would create a precedent for the development of solar farms on neighbouring good quality agricultural land in the area, all of which is needed for food production. The proposed Mallard Pass solar farm is large and would surround the village of Essendine, neighbouring villages and settlements. It will blight the lives of the those living in the area, being close to the housing settlements. It will damage the appearance and character of the area and damage the visual amenity enjoyed by the villagers. There are concerns about the radiation emitted by such a solar farm as proposed which have not been addressed.