Representation by Drew Mitchell (Drew Mitchell)
- Date submitted
- 8 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Although my observations and objections relate to Island Green Power West Burton 1, 2 and 3 (2,484 acres), it is vital that I draw to the Planning Inspectorate’s notice three further solar projects; Island Green Power (IGP) Cottam 1, 2, 3a and 3b (which has already been submitted to the Inspectorate), Low Carbon Gate Burton Solar (also submitted to the Inspectorate) and Tillbridge Solar at the Statutory Consultation stage. ‘Clustered’ within a few miles of each other around 30 lovely villages and their concerned residents it would be just and morally ethical for them to be evaluated /examined together not independently of each other. Combined they would be the largest solar farm complex in Europe, if not beyond, encompassing a colossal 10,000 acres + of Best and Most Versatile (BMVL) agricultural and productive farmland. The communities of 30 villages will be affected, (including mine) overwhelmed by 4.5m (15ft high) tracking solar panels, highly dangerous BESS batteries, sub-stations, ‘shipping containers’ in the hundreds, security fencing, preventing wildlife and people moving freely, damage to bio-diversity and eco-systems that already exists that may never fully recover, intrusion of CCTV and all associated paraphernalia on both sides of the A1500 and the B1241 that people travel daily and the narrow, inter-twining country lanes between these 30 villages. This is a soul destroying, demoralising and depressing existence for all who will be affected by the solar development(s). The list of concerns and issues are countless including recently learning that Island Green Power has sought planning permission for the removal of 35 miles of hedgerow on the West Burton site. These proposed solar developments will have enormous consequences for these unspoilt historic / heritage based farming and tourist areas only 10 – 15 miles from the City of Lincoln. This is industrialising the Lincolnshire landscape on a gargantuan scale. They will dominate the landscape and in fact become the landscape. Solar is the least efficient of all renewable energy sources and does not produce the level of energy when it is most needed in the dark, winter months and even then solar energy can only be stored for short periods therefore is an inadequate all year round energy source. On average it can only deliver 11% of its stated output. On-shore wind is 3 times more efficient, off-shore even more efficient. Tenant farmers across the country are not only losing their livelihoods, their business and potentially their family homes but opportunities for the next generation of farmers within that family to farm the land are being taken away from them. There are other emerging technologies such as integrating the functionality of solar into roof tiles. It is unlikely to take 25 years to bring these new innovations to fruition so why destroy productive farmland for periods of 40 – 60 years. Compaction of the land through the construction vehicles. The world grows 95% of its food in the uppermost layer of soil, making topsoil one of the most important components of our food system. Without topsoil, the earth’s ability to filter water, absorb carbon, and feed people plunges. There are health and safety issues with lithium-ion batteries spontaneously exploding giving off toxic fumes which are a danger to life itself and will be sited on West Burton 3 close to residents’ homes and Marton village primary school. There is ample evidence of this on solar developments around the world. These batteries are not governed by the Health and Safety Executive the local Fire Brigade will not have the appropriate training to deal with such an event. Loss of recreational facilities for walkers and others and the effects on people’s mental health when faced with yet another solar development. The daily disruption to their lives during the construction period. There are questions over where the panels will be built and with what energy. In China for example it is not uncommon for panels to be built using power generated by burning coal. When shipping is considered, will this project actually have a net-carbon benefit? Every step in the production of solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems requires a perpetual input of fossil fuels - for smelting metals from ore, for process heat and power, international transport, and deployment. Silicon smelters, polysilicon refineries, and crystal growers around the world all depend on uninterrupted, 24/7 power that comes mostly from coal. Is solar energy really the best solution for reaching our net zero targets if all these factors are taken into account in the carbon calculation? Solar panels have a lifespan of around 25-30 years, what is the carbon impact when they have to be replaced from scratch again? This may well be an investors scheme not a green scheme: The companies say they share the common goals and objectives of co-delivering clean and affordable energy and building long-term, sustainable relationships with landowners and communities. Often these proposed developments, if given the go ahead, will be sold on to investors who are not necessarily UK companies but foreign investors based overseas. How then can these companies build long-term, sustainable relationships with communities on this basis ?