Representation by David William Garbutt (David William Garbutt)
- Date submitted
- 30 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have lived in Lincoln for the majority of my life and have a very long family history going back hundreds of years in the area proposed for this solar farm. I have not received any consultation materials or seen or heard any advertisements in local or national newspapers or television. None of my neighbours and local community are aware of this proposal. My family history has been involved in farming the land in this area for centuries. The land, landscape and it's people have contributed to the food we eat, the defence of the realm and the economy of the Country. We continue to do so to this day. However, if the scheme at Cottam Solar along with the three other proposed solar schemes go ahead, these contributions we make to the nation will be decimated. I have travelled the route along the B1398 or Middle Street my entire life and have enjoyed the magnificent views along the cliff to the Cathedral and Castle and down the valley across the rural pastoral scenes to the river Trent. It is beyond comprehension the impact on visual amenity and environmental damage that will occur if these proposals go ahead. The flora and fauna will be significantly harmed. I have cycled along this route many times and am aware that glint and glare may impact on my vision and ability to see the road and other users and vehicles at times. There is a long tradition of aviation in the region. My father served for many years with the RAF and further family members have fought and died for this Country. Their names appear on the 1st World War Memorial at Kirton Lindsey. Therefore, I feel that my ancestors (who also farmed this land) would be shocked to learn how this landscape will be ruined by short sighted targets which ultimately harm the environment we want to protect. Furthermore, with the recent announcements regarding the possible use of Scampton Airbase as an immigration centre and not a hub for Economic Regeneration as proposed by Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council, the area and nation will suffer great economic harm both in the short and long term if all these schemes are approved. I take this opportunity to state I strongly oppose all the above proposals.