Representation by William Lockwood-Geck (William Lockwood-Geck )
- Date submitted
- 30 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The Cottam proposal is Just 1 of 4 Solar, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) within a few miles of each other. Together this would be the largest solar farm complex in Europe and would amount to 10,000 acres in total. All of these projects must be considered as one, due to their corresponding impact on the local environment, economy and communities. The construction of the solar farm complex would require the removal of significant amounts of hedgerows, trees, and other vegetation, which could have negative impacts on wildlife and biodiversity. The solar panels themselves require the use of rare earth metals, which can have environmental and social impacts associated with their extraction and processing. The visual impact of the solar farm complex could have negative effects on nearby residential areas and tourism, which could have economic implications for the region. The construction and operation of the solar farm complex could have impacts on local air and water quality, as well as noise pollution during construction and maintenance activities. The long-term sustainability of the solar farm complex is uncertain, as solar panels have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced and disposed of, which can have negative environmental impacts if not done properly.