Representation by Sturton by Stow Parish Council (Sturton by Stow Parish Council)
- Date submitted
- 28 April 2023
- Submitted by
- Parish councils
This project is one of four currently under development. The project of West Burton should be considered alongside; Cottam, Gate Burton and Tillbridge Solar. The estimated land loss for these projects is circa 10000 acres. The village of Sturton by Stow is going to be surrounded by Cottam Solar Project. West Burton is being developed by the same company. The developers have sought to infer that the land use is temporary and for the life of the project. Why is the draft DCO being utilised to carry out CPO's of the land and cable routes. This is surely not the best way forward. What will happen to the acquired land once the project is deemed finished? How will it be repatriated to being actively farmed and not subsequently be deemed as brownfield and then developed either commercially or for housing? Safeguards need to be in place. The current hysteria over cost of utilities is being used to push this form of renewable electricity through. Whilst there is a need for a mix of renewable energy; the use of so much valuable and productive land is not feasible. The draft CPO makes reference to; Compulsory land acquisition including air and subsoil the right to removed hedgerows and trees irrespective of TPO status the rights to block and divert roads; the right to cancel any covenants and rights currently on the affected land. the right to remove any footpath. the right to transfer to another company. There is too broad a sweep and lack of detail for specific circumstances in the draft order. How can there be any biodiversity net gain if hedgerows and trees are felled, removed or lopped? This makes no sense. The countryside is already under great stress with a lack of migration corridors and the removal of hedgerows is something which should have special consideration; Not only for wildlife but the amount of water which these hedges and trees consume would have a tremendous impact on the areas concerned if they were to be removed. There has been no meaningful consultation between the developer and communities for reparation of detriment should this project be granted. Sturton by Stow Parish Council would ask that a reparation scheme does not only involve an initial lump sum, but is also in receipt of regular sums to be paid over the entire lifetime of the project and that preferably the Lincolnshire Communities Fund are involved to help administer the funding. (Lincolnshire Communities Fund administer Tritton Knoll). There is much detail still not specified.