Representation by Nicholas Anthony Parker
- Date submitted
- 1 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am writing to object in the strongest possible terms, to the plans to build the enormous, so-called Mallard Pass solar farm on the wonderful countryside at Essendine and surrounding villages in Rutland. This proposed development will scar the landscape for decades and do untold and irreparable damage not only to the fragile ecosystem, but to the morale and optimism of all residents who will lose so much as a consequence. The vast majority of people are without doubt in favour of finding and developing renewable sources of energy and the general objective of a carbon neutral environment as soon as it can be achieved. This scale of development however, in this kind of setting, seems to push the pendulum so far the other way, unilaterally causing catastrophic harm, and supposedly, just for the short term gain of a few opportunistic businesses. On a practical note and assuming that these power stations do need to be located somewhere, please could you review your plans and explore more palatable alternatives, such as the multiple brownfield sites which may actually be improved by this kind of investment. There surely should be an avenue which could benefit all stakeholders yet not hold back technological advance – without causing the destruction of some of the most picturesque countryside in Great Britain. My family and I moved to the village of Ryhall, which borders Essendine, three years ago and have been very touched by the warmth and spirit of the local people. The spectre of this solar farm however has caused universal upset and huge concern for the sustainability of our communities. I implore you therefore to reconsider the plans and enable our little villages to get back to what they have been for centuries; quiet, unassuming and havens for living life in harmony with outstanding, natural surroundings. Thank you in advance for your serious reconsideration of this proposal.