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Representation by Elaine Stiles

Date submitted
2 March 2023
Submitted by
Members of the public/businesses
  1. We need all available land to ensure that we are as self sufficient as possible in food production in this country. With Global uncertainty (Ukraine war) and environmental aspects,(currently in North Africa and Southern Europe) it highlights the fact that we are very vulnerable to outside forces. Although the land in question is not top grade, it is clay rich, so crops did much better last year than elsewhere because of the water retention properties of clay. This is increasingly important with Global Warming. 2) This application NEEDS to be looked at as part of 4 projects which are being submitted in this area as the total area for the 4 projects (in very close proximity to one another) totals over 10,000 acres of land. This will have a massive detrimental effect on local communities. 3) The proposed area is designated as an area of Great Landscape Value which would be decimated by this construction. 4) As there are 4 individual proposals being submitted, it does not highlight the significant loss and detrimental effect it would have on the wildlife in this region, over 10,000 acres. This project is only one site which fails to show the real impact on communities, wildlife and lack of food production if all 4 were to go ahead. 5) We live in the country so that we can walk on footpaths through fields and see rolling hills, birds and wildlife (just last week, I saw 2 deer running across the fields) It is fantastic for our physical and mental health. I would not be able to say the same, walking through acres of gated solar panel farms. 6) There are other alternative sources of energy which could be utilised, wind turbines for example, which would allow the land to be used to food production whilst fulfilling the 'Green' agenda. 7) There are other Brown Field sites locally which could be used and not impact on our food production, wildlife and our physical and mental health.