Representation by Gary Stephens
- Date submitted
- 4 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
It is devastating that people would consider using some of the best fertile arable land in the area and turn it into an industrial site, for capital gain and greed. How this is allowed is beyond me. Surely we should be protecting our arable land. There are vast industrial complexes over at Teesside and massive warehouses being built in and around the area. Why the solar panels aren’t placed on these large scale warehouse rooftops is beyond comprehension. The way in which wildlife will be affected is horrendous. The roads around Great Stainton are particularly hazardous with blind bends etc. and adding to this is just taking a risk with people’s lives which is incomprehensible - why make dangerous roads even more dangerous with the construction of these solar farms. Great Stainton is one of the highest villages in County Durham. It looks down onto the fields that are going to be affected by this development. It will be looking down onto the back of galvanized silver steel frames and not the black solar panels as seen in the brochures, that are being portrayed as not that bad. These brochures are a con job and some of the photos I have seen that have been presented, trying to say that the area is partially industrial is absolutely ridiculous and needs investigating. They are obviously done by PR firms to try and fool the planning authorities. It is about time people stood up for this beautiful pasture land that is being put forward as suitable by greedy individuals who are not bothered in the least about the damage and the harm they are doing to the views around these beautiful areas. Great Stainton is particularly surrounded by outstanding natural beauty. The devastation and distress this is causing is mind-blowing.