Representation by Isobel Jane Ebdon
- Date submitted
- 2 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am very concerned about the loss of good agricultural land, especially when it is clear there is a need to be very worried about our food security. Recent shortages have highlighted the risk of being so dependent on imports and we should be doing a lot more to support and encourage our farming industry, rather than allowing it to be eroded. This Solar Farm project is one of many on your National Infrastructure and giving this one approval will set a dangerous precedent and allow yet more erosion of our food security. This project would result in a significant loss of amenity and wildlife areas for the general public and there would be a negative impact on the mental well-being of those living in and around the affected area from such a large area of unnatural structures. Permissive paths around a solar farm are hardly an attractive proposition and ideas for screening will take many years before they became effective. There is also a worry about the adverse impact on flora and fauna, particularly during the lengthy construction phase when habitats are destroyed and then take many years to regenerate if ever. As well as the problems for local residents, there will also be a negative impact on visitors to the area, they will soon be put off coming to somewhere with such a vast unsightly industrial landscape. As a consequence income for many local businesses will be seriously affected through a loss of tourism, a further challenge when businesses are already struggling with rising costs and falling incomes. It is recognised through considerable research that solar panels are the least efficient way to generate electricity in our country. Even so it is broadly accepted that solar has a role to play in the overall energy mix. However, sacrificing food security for the least efficient contribution to energy security seems perverse. Surely a far better approach would be to legislate for all new buildings, both commercial and private, to incorporate solar panels and electric storage. Lastly, I am most concerned over the Chinese origin of most of the infrastructure required to create this solar farm. The Chinese record on its treatment of minority groups, such as the Uighur Muslims, cannot be ignored and we should not be encouraging companies that profit by association in such a manner. The Chinese political culture is built on spreading influence and control to every part of the globe and we should not be allowing our democracy to be threatened by effectively funding those who wish to control us. If we have to have solar farms put them on the right sort of land and source solar panels in this country thus giving jobs to British workers and profits to British companies that pay UK taxes.