Representation by Chris Gooch
- Date submitted
- 8 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I vehemently oppose the proposed Byers Gill Solar development. While I fully recognize the significance of renewable energy, have been an advocate for the move away from fossil fuels and a champion of combatting climate change, I believe the chosen location for this project is wholly inappropriate and unacceptable. First of all, the sheer magnitude of this proposal: a staggering 2000 acres of rich agricultural land targeted for conversion into a solar farm. This represents a loss of fertile farmland, directly compromising our nation's valuable food production capacity and exacerbating food insecurity. It's high time we acknowledge this glaring reality: permitting solar farms on such prime agricultural land is not justifiable from any standpoint – it's a nonsensical decision that flies in the face of environmental responsibility. The National Planning Policy Framework unequivocally underscores the imperative of conserving and enhancing our natural environment, particularly sites of biodiversity and the intrinsic character of the countryside. The proposed solar development blatantly disregards these mandates, sacrificing vital ecosystems to short-sighted industrialization. JBM, the developers in report 6.2.6 Environmental Statement Chapter 6 Biodiversity acknowledges the destruction of habitat loss then go on to suggest this can be alleviated 6.10.42. ‘To mitigate the potential loss or displacement of foraging habitats, there are eight biodiversity enhancement areas and two large fields to the north of Bishopton to remain free of Solar PV modules. Furthermore, the additional habitat creation including hedgerows with trees, field margin sowing, and meadow grassland would benefit invertebrates and in turn foraging bats, thereby enhancing habitat corridors / ecological networks’ How can this claim by developers be credible? The assertion that biodiversity will be enhanced and the developers will mitigate loss by setting aside 8 small areas and 2 fields - a tiny percentage of land compared to the loss to 2000 biodiverse acres already in existence is farcical . The fact the developer claims planting hedgerows and wildflowers, setting aside two fields will somehow compensate for this loss is not just misleading – it's downright ludicrous. The reality is stark: the construction of solar farms necessitates the removal of agricultural land, and destruction of ecosystems and habitats which is irreparable. Great Stainton and its surrounding countryside are integral components of our valued landscapes, harbouring diverse biodiversity crucial for ecological balance. Species like bats, red deer, hares, lapwing, snipe, badgers and numerous overwintering and native birds all thrive in these habitats. Let's not forget the broader context: the UK's agricultural land is already under immense pressure, with declining productivity and alarming rates of loss. We cannot afford to squander our best and most versatile farmland on industrial ventures that offer minimal benefit to society. Any encroachment on agricultural land by profit-driven developers jeopardizes these essential functions, threatening the very fabric of our rural communities. Considering these strong points, I urge the Planning Inspectorate to firmly oppose the Byers Gill Solar project proposal. Let's focus on renewable energy projects that honour environmental preservation and support agricultural sustainability. We must prioritise safeguarding farmland and seek alternative locations that minimize harm to ecosystems, in line with the values outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework. Anything short of this would neglect our duty to the environment and fail to serve the interests of future generations.