Back to list West Burton Solar Project

Representation by Ben Bushby

Date submitted
28 April 2023
Submitted by
Members of the public/businesses

What are the reinstatement obligations of the developer at lease end? Is wording within the lease of the land strong enough to ensure the land is protected in the long term to ensure it is made good for future agricultural use? The short term impact of these solar farms is detrimental to the aesthetics of the rural landscape. In view that the UK has in excess of 42 million m2 of warehouse roofing, can the developer justify using greenfield / agricultural land for solar farms, or is this simply the most economical benefit to their shareholders without concern for the society that will have to live with the solar panels. The energy produced by the panels is negligible in comparison to wind turbines, and in consideration of the planned nuclear plant at West Burton, to destroy countryside for such a short term benefit appears to have more to do with profit and shareholders than the 2030 energy targets.