Representation by Vicky Irving
- Date submitted
- 29 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The Cottam Solar Farm Project is just one of four proposed solar power sites in the area around Sturton by Stow, Martin and Willingham by Stow. If given permission, this would amount to 10,000 acres of agricultural land being taken out of food production. This land grows wheat, barley, sugar beet, beans and rape seed oil. Together, if given permission, this would be the largest solar farm in Europe and would have a huge impact upon this very rural area. Personally, I do feel that the walks that we enjoy from the village of Sturton by Stow will be dominated by large solar panels in every direction. Additionally, the fields surrounding the roads to Saxilby, our main village and Gainsborough, our main town, will be dominated by solar panels. I am sure this will impact mental health. I am concerned for the wildlife in this rural area. The ponds off Thorpe Lane have been proved to be an important site for the breeding cycle of great crested newts. This site has been identified and studied by Lincoln University. Will the undoubted heavy construction traffic make these sites untenable for these creatures and our wonderful small population of beautiful hares. We undoubtedly need renewable energy but do we need such large concentrations of solar panels? We need a balance between the need for solar energy and the need for food security, people’s well being and the maintenance of habitats for wildlife. Whilst I am a supporter of renewable energy this heavy handed approach is making myself and my family question their support for renewable energy.