Representation by Dr Gillian Kerby
- Date submitted
- 2 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The proposed Mallard Pass Solar Farm will have a major impact on residents, wildlife and landscape within and adjacent to the site, particularly through the construction phase when there will be great potential for disruption and damage. Every aspect of this phase must be carefully managed and monitored to avoid detrimental impacts and to ensure full compliance with the proposals and commitments set out in the application. Once the site is operational, it is vital that the ongoing impact on the lives and properties of those affected is fully addressed and mitigated. This includes visual intrusion, noise and light pollution, damage to the character of the landscape and negative effects on health and wellbeing. Whilst potential impacts have been carefully assessed in the scoping report, it is essential that the underlying data is carefully checked, updated and ground-truthed to ensure monitoring and management is effective in the long-term. There is great potential to improve ecological functioning and biodiversity across the site and the developers are encouraged to seize the opportunity to go above and beyond their statutory obligations to deliver innovative ecological enhancements, showcasing how a solar farm of this size and scope can result in a net gain for people, nature and the environment.