Representation by Robert Cort
- Date submitted
- 4 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I object to the proposed West Burton Solar Project for the following reasons:- Whilst I agree that solar power is a source of energy that needs to be considered, the solar farms should be built on Brownfield sites and not on farmland. We have a food shortage and therefore all farmable land should be preserved. Island Green Power have failed to follow the guidance included in the government Policy paper British Energy Security Strategy - Updated 7 April 2022 presented by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson. ‘For ground-mounted solar, we will consult on amending planning rules to strengthen policy in favour of development on non-protected land, while ensuring communities continue to have a say and environmental protections remain in place. We will continue supporting the effective use of land by encouraging large scale projects to locate on previously developed, or lower value land, where possible, and ensure projects are designed to avoid, mitigate, and where necessary, compensate for the impacts of using greenfield sites.’ The acreage size of the proposed developments and the proximity to other similar proposed solar farms means that the inspectorate should consider all local developments together and not individually. The BESS for a 500MW supply will be one of the largest in Europe. Because of the scale of the plant the risks of malfunction will increase and there are already concerns with regard to the safe operation of these batteries. Should the BESS not be located next to the National Grid connection in an existing industrial area adjacent to the West Burton Power Station. The impact of 4.5m high solar panels on the countryside views will be impossible to obscure with normal hedgerow growth. Island Green Power has failed to identify where the panels will be designed and manufactured. If they are serious about the green credentials of this project then China should be discounted as a potential source and the resultant cost impacts included into the carbon neutrality and financial analysis of this proposed project.