Representation by John Andrew Bradley
- Date submitted
- 8 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am wholly against and strongly object to the proposal to develop another solar farm in the area surrounding Great Stainton. I have personally observed the construction of a solar development, located a mere 2.4 miles from Great Stainton, namely Whinfield, Brafferton Lane, Darlington, during winter 2023/2024. Despite the severely wet conditions and waterlogged ground, construction persisted unabated. Consequently, the soil within the site has been heavily compacted, severely limiting water infiltration and leading to waterlogging. It is imperative to emphasize that severely compacted soils are inhospitable to plant growth. Therefore, the notion propagated by solar developers that wildflowers will flourish under solar panels and sheep will graze is unequivocally false and serves simply to mislead planners. Travelling through this area every day, I have endured significant disruption to my daily life. Roads have transformed into perpetual seas of mud, persisting for months on end. The incessant passage of heavy vehicles has caused irreparable damage to the road surface, with potholes which the Council seem unable to repair due to the sheer numbers. The noise and vibration generated by the installation of panels can be felt and heard for miles around. The proposed development will also undoubtedly result in habitat loss, including hedgerows, trees, and watercourses, due to changes in land use. This alteration will lead to fragmentation of bird, mammal, and bat populations and habitats, caused by the installation of fencing, battery storage units, and panels. Moreover, these changes will have severe consequences, such as a reduction in foraging bat insect prey and the loss of roosting habitat. Despite the trees slated for removal being confirmed as suitable for supporting roosting bats, their destruction will further exacerbate this loss. Additionally, birds will suffer from the loss of breeding and foraging habitat provided by hedgerows and trees. Ground-nesting birds like curlew and lapwing, species on the red list for conservation, as well as hares and red deer, will be compelled to vacate the area due to the placement of solar panels. The prospect of the proposed Byers Gill development at ten times the size of Whinfield, is deeply distressing. With an estimated construction timeline of at least 18 to 24 months, the anticipated impact [REDACTED] is undeniably significant. To witness a wildlife rich rural landscape being totally and irreversible transformed into an industrial wasteland, which it undoubtedly will become is unforgivable. Please reject this destruction of rural England and turn down this ill thought-out proposal.