Back to list Byers Gill Solar

Representation by Jacqueline Gregory

Date submitted
26 April 2024
Submitted by
Members of the public/businesses
  • the land to be used for this scheme is currently productive arable land which will be a loss to the UK food production. Government policy is that large schemes should use lower value land * the scale of the site is not suitable for this location as it surrounds a small village in a conservation area, especially when the impact is combined with the multiple other solar energy schemes already approved nearby. It is industrialising an area of countryside. * The high risk of fire and explosion from the batteries required by a scheme of this size (one of the largest in the country) makes the scheme unsuitable as it is neighbouring a primary school, arable land and equestrian facilities * existing local wildlife will be displaced by the scheme due to the surrounding security fencing, and due to the size of the proposed site, this impact will be significant * The area has a large equestrian population, with hundreds of horses being kept close to the site on a mix of private and commercial facilities. The local roads surrounding the solar energy site are used regularly to exercise these horses as these roads link to the bridleway network. The British Horse Society advises that solar farms are not located near equestrian facilities due to horses not reacting well to the resulting glare and noise. The scale of the site will mean that construction work will also be disturbing and dangerous when exercising or caring for horses kept nearby. * Any trees or hedgerows proposed to limit the adverse visual impact of the scheme will have little effect for several years