Back to list Gate Burton Energy Park

Representation by Gidlow (Gidlow )

Date submitted
15 March 2023
Submitted by
Members of the public/businesses
  1. The Gate Burton proposal is Just 1 of 4 Solar, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) within a few miles of each other. Together this would be the largest solar farm complex in Europe and would amount to 10,000 acres in total. At present all 4 proposals will be examined independently, I feel they should be assessed altogether as a single project 2. The Gate Burton Energy Park has an approximate total site covering 3,500 acres and combined with the other 3 proposals, have a cumulative effect of 10,000 acres of farmland lost. I feel that farmland should be used to produce food industrialisation of farmland is wrong 3. A vast area of farmland would be lost to this Solar and Energy Storage Park. The structures would dominate it and industrialise the countryside 4. This proposal on open farmland would be highly visible from country lanes and property. views, walks and enjoyment of the countryside for residents would be affected by this solar proposal. Visitors would be discouraged from visiting 5. It proposes one of the world's largest Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Is it acceptable to locate this kind of infrastructure on farmland? I feel it is better to locate this apparatus close to the Grid connection and a brownfield site? 6. The Gate Burton Energy Park is in close proximity to many historic buildings and the heritage village of Gate Burton. Has the land been selected on suitability or purely on availability? 7. There would be a 4 year construction period when combined with the other 3 projects on a building site of 10,000 acres. Road noise, traffic would be disruptive and cause significant damage to small roads. 8. Were important factors such as brownfield site use, panel size and glare, battery storage, generation capabilities and flood risk, sincerely and accurately considered and communicated to residents and within planning proposals. I do not believe the developer engaged fully and in good faith 9.The role solar can play is limited because it provides power intermittently and least power when we need it most – e.g. winter evenings. The proposed developments are an inefficient use of land, for their contribution to the energy mix. I think it would be more effective to install solar panels on commercial and domestic roofs, where it will directly reduce bills instead of using farmland. Small nuclear plants would be far more effective 10. The solar farm apparatus is likely to be manufactured abroad (China) and the construction labour sourced from outside the area. I do not think this is an ethically sound proposal. Will the human rights of these overseas workers be respected? 11. I live in the country to be in a green, non industrial environment. I have sensoy processing disorders and my mental health and well-being will be negatively effected by the proposals. Will natural habitats and wildlife be effected? 12. I enjoy watching many birds of prey (buzzard, kestrel, barn owl, tawny owl). I watch badger, deer, rabbit, hare wild in the countryside. their natural habitats will be disrupted, destroyed and the natural environment will be negatively effected. Natural migration and movements will be disrupted by fencing, lighting Lincolnshire is a rural green county, this industrialisation would ruin the county. we must fight against the industrialisation of our landscape. There are other options which would be more effective in providing power and protecting farmlands capable of providing crops to feed us and reduce imports