Representation by James Allison
- Date submitted
- 29 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The proposed 'Cottam Solar Project' is totally inappropriate in terms of scale and size for the area. This is before we even consider the fact that it is just one of several similar solar farm applications within a 6-7 mile radius!! This is clearly the strategy of some very clever consultants acting on behalf of apparently separate developers to increase their chances of approval, whereas in reality all of these proposals (Cottam, Tillbridge, Gate Burton etc.) are effectively one single massive solar farm in all but name. As such they should be treated as a single application for a NSIP and NOT judged separately, given their cumulative effect on the area. The proposed development is flawed for a whole range of other reasons too. Lincolnshire is one of the UK's 'breadbaskets' and is responsible for producing a substantial amount of our food. Taking thousands of acres of highly productive agricultural land out of production is totally incompatible with both climate change targets and the government's stated aim of increased food security. The visual impact will also be severely detrimental to the rural character of the area and will in turn negatively affect the mental health and wellbeing of local residents due to the loss of amenity. There will also be a loss of habit for wildlife. The current rural nature of the area means that we are blessed with relatively high numbers of owl's, buzzards, hares and other wildlife which would be considered rare sights in other parts of the country. The traffic impact on the road network in the area is also a major concern.