Representation by Deborah Kay Latham
- Date submitted
- 1 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As someone who is very concerned about the enviroment, I am deeply concerned about the loss of such a large area of agricultural land. The impact this will have on the surrounding area is far reaching and is land unnecessarily used. Solar panels are not the most efficient use of large areas of land. Thousands of houses are being built around this area and I have seen little evidence of any solar panels being installed. This would surely be a better way of using solar panels whilst retaining our agricultural areas. We also have a number of Equestrian Centres surrounding our village which use the lanes around the proposed Solar Farm. One of these Centres frequently hold horse shows backing onto the lane which will are opposite the Solar Panels. This enterprise will detrimentally affect these businesses as horses are highly affected by noise -the lanes are used to exercise the horses. Recreationally, the size of this Solar Farm will ruin the aesthetic beauty of the village and surrounding area, something which is of high importance to mental wellbeing. The close proximity of the Solar Panels to residential areas, a school and Equestrian businesses, is of great concern. The Lithium batteries have been known to catch fire and emit fumes. Little is known about the long term effects of having these so close to residential and school areas. I am not against Solar Panels, but feel this proposal is far too big for this area. and shows no care for the environment. This is a conservation area and this proposal would turn this whole area into an industrial site. There are plenty of areas around Stockton/Teesside which have been used for industrial purposes, but are no longer up and running- these areas would be much more suitable for this kind of venture. It is very important that as a country we maintain areas where people can enjoy the scenery and find peace and rest - this was highlighted during the COVID pandemic. I feel this venture would be very short-sighted - it may be lucrative for the company involved but would ruin such a large and beautiful landscape for many people.