Representation by Solar Campaign Alliance (Solar Campaign Alliance)
- Date submitted
- 2 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
Relevant Representation regarding Mallard Pass Solar Farm, submitted on behalf of the Solar Campaign Alliance My name is Dr Catherine Judkins and I am sending this representation on behalf of the Solar Campaign Alliance (SCA). The SCA is an alliance of over 70 community groups who have significant concerns about large scale ground-mounted solar farms on greenfield land in their areas. The groups within the SCA represent both NSIPs and schemes that are seeking planning approval through local planning authorities. The SCA acknowledges the importance of renewable energy and accepts that solar PV (particularly roof top solar, as well as use of brownfield sites) has a part to play in supplying renewable energy. However, the SCA is against inappropriate development on greenfield land across the UK (and particularly highly productive farmland) and is deeply concerned about the number and scale of such developments across the UK. The Alliance also notes the recent Energy Security Strategy statement on solar which states that the government would encourage large scale projects to be located on previously developed or lower value land. The SCA would therefore like to register our objection to the Mallard Pass Solar Farm proposals on the basis that: 1. The scheme does not comply with NPPF which stipulates that valuable farmland should be avoided. The land at the Mallard Pass Solar site sustains a range of high yielding arable crops. 2. The UK is currently importing a large proportion of its food, and restricted supply and food rationing is becoming more prevalent across the UK. Food security must be considered when looking at planning proposals that include such vast areas of highly productive farmland. 3. We do not believe that the impacts can be considered “temporary.” 4. We have concerns about the site selection process and the significant impact that this scheme would have on the local landscape and on those who enjoy this landscape. This includes the inadequacy of the suggested mitigation measures. 5. We also have questions about noise impacts and the effect of visual and noise impacts on people’s mental health and well-being. 6. The SCA also has significant concerns about the biodiversity claims and assessments and the long term impacts this may have. 7. We also consider that traffic and transport impacts have not been adequately addressed. Many thanks for your consideration.