Representation by Martin Philpott
- Date submitted
- 22 March 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am concerned about the cumulative impact solar farms are having on the local area, in relation to both the volume of solar farms in the local area and the clustering of solar farms due to grid connectivity at the Letch Lane sub-station. There are currently 8 solar farms at various stages from proposed, passed planning, being constructed and fully operational in the local area. Byers Gill is by far the largest solar farm > 1300 acres, and if passed will further intensify the harm to the local landscape by infilling the area between the other solar farms from Whinfield Solar near Braferton through to Long-pasture Solar Farm near Sadberge and California Solar Farm near Carlton. This will mean that there would be over 2500 acres of solar farms concentrated in the countryside between the towns of Newton Aycliffe, Darlington and Stockton-On-Tees which would then surround the villages of Great Stainton, Little Stainton, Bishopton, Redmarshall, Carlton and Sadberge. I am concerned about the cumulative impact solar farms are having on the character of the landscape. The surrounding area is predominantly agricultural farmed land and rolling countryside, Great Stainton as a village sits at an elevation of approximately 100m which is some 60m higher than much of the land around it. The majority of houses in Great Stainton are located on the South side of the village and have panoramic views to the south, east and north of the countryside. Due to the elevation of the village screening will be largely ineffective and much of the proposed panels would be visible in these directions to village residents. This will mean that rather than looking onto fields and countryside that changes with the seasons we will be looking out onto an industrialised landscape. As Byers Gill would also infill the area between the other solar farms from Whinfield Solar near Braferton through to Long-pasture Solar Farm near Sadberge and California Solar Farm near Carlton, it will mean whenever we travel to and from the village to reach towns such as Darlington, Stockton and Newton Aycliffe for work or recreation much of the journey that was previously farmland will be now be past several solar farms and an industrialised landscape. I am concerned that this substantial, combined and cumulative loss of amenity will have an adverse impact on resident’s health and mental wellbeing. Solar Farms Increase in crime It is widely reported that there have been crimes across the country that specifically target solar farms, whereby organised crime groups or local offenders will target sites for the copper cabling and solar panels. It is also suggested that crime on solar farms is increasing and that a solar farm that has been targeted once, it is likely to be targeted again. Therefor I am concerned that Byers Gill will attract thieves and increase the level of crime in the surrounding area.