Representation by David Christopher Raymond Plant
- Date submitted
- 1 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
My main objection to Mallard Pass Solar Farm is the fact that many acres of productive farmland will be taken out of production. The February 2023 edition of the NFU’s farming magazine ”Countryside” contains an article in which it states, quote “the UK is only around 60% self-sufficient in food, a drop from around 80% in the 1980’s”.. As a now-retired farmer, I and my family owned and farmed, inter alia, land included in the Mallard Pass Solar Farm project, and my family and I have lived at the southern-most tip of the proposed wind farm since 1970. Through my knowledge of the land in question, together with modern farming methods and machinery, I feel strongly that the land would be put to better use producing food, rather than solar power. Due to the favourable conditions of climate and soil, the county of Lincolnshire is renowned for its arable farming and, at present, produces one eighth of the UK’s food. I am concerned about the loss of wild life habitats (which we have always endeavoured to enhance) in the area. I am particularly concerned about the effect of the glare of the solar panels on the many species of birds. The construction of such a large solar farm in the proximity of numerous historic houses, farmsteads and villages constructed of local stone and slate can only be detrimental to the character of the countryside. Our own farmstead has ancient origins and the house and farm buildings are Grade II listed, as, I am sure, many such others are. It is my experience that, from time to time, winds can be extremely strong here. We have on several occasions experienced damage to property and trees. It is questionable as to how the solar panels will stand up to these gales. There must be many “brownfield” sites that could be used to produce solar power. I feel strongly that the production of solar power should not be given precedence over the UK’s food security, particularly in times such as these with, for example, the present situation in Ukraine.