Representation by Caroline Croxton
- Date submitted
- 2 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I disagree with this application for the following reasons; Solar farms, and in particular ones built on land as in the proposal, have negative impacts on wildlife in several ways: Habitat loss: The construction of a solar farm results in the clearing of large areas of land, which leads to habitat loss for wildlife. This is especially problematic for species that rely on specific types of vegetation or ecosystems, such as in this area. Disruption of migration patterns: Some wildlife species, such as birds, rely on visual cues to navigate during migration. Research has shown that Solar farms often disrupt these visual cues, often causing birds to become disoriented and lose their way. Risk of collision: Large solar panels can create reflective surfaces that can confuse birds and cause them to collide with the panels, resulting in injury or death There are many examples of small dear especially mink jack running into the panel legs and killing or maiming themselves, easily becoming prey to opportunistic predators. This can unnaturally attract more predators which change the make up of the local eco systems which can be depleted or destroyed as a consequence. Changes in local temperature and moisture levels: Solar panels create microclimates that are different from the surrounding environment. This can have impacts on local flora and fauna, which may be adapted to specific temperature and moisture conditions. Butterfly and Bee populations are often reduced as they are attracted by the shine of the panels but once they fly over or land on the panels, they are burnt to death. Increased predator activity: The construction of a solar farm results in the displacement of some wildlife species, which may then concentrate in other areas. This can lead to increased predator activity in those areas, negatively affecting the prey species and the overall eco system of the locality Make of of the countryside: The decimation of attractive country side will be lost forever as even after the panels are take away , due to their short span of usage lifespan of only 20-25 years, these fields will never be returned to their original state of bio diversity. Chemical traces and small amounts of metal including bolts and washerd will remain in the soil for generations to come and the areas around the sub stations will be even worse. Any remaining wildlife will ingest any matter left behind and be poisoned. Local economy: The local population will be negatively affected as house values will reduce significantly due to the plans. We have already seen purchasers pull out of house sales locally due to the mere possibility of this solar farm being built. The decline in prices will have a negative effect on the tax income of the council as property will be passed over to the rental market with many tenants exempt from council tax payments. (Housing Associations etc) The choice of sites: Across the EU and the world Solar farms are being built, but not in so close proximity to towns and villages. They are correctly built away from populations amd for good reasons. Why can't the developers look at other countries models and follow a more common sense approach to their plans, or is it that our lax and corrupt planning systems attracts them as this will allow them to do whatever they like? I think this is the case, please prove me wrong and deny this application.