Representation by Fraser Watson
- Date submitted
- 15 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
There are many issues associated with the plans of a solar farm surrounding the Bishopton village First, it is using viable arable land when there is already a food crisis. The energy production to land used ratio is very poor, an extremely large amount of land is being used for a relatively low amount of power being produced when compared to other energy sources. This is compounded by the fact that the United Kingdom is already small in terms of land mass, why would we want this to be used inefficiently? There is also the biodiversity of the migratory birds to consider. Geese, Lapwing, Curlews to name a few. Their current habitats are under threat with the proposition of the solar farm. Part of the solar farm is also close to the Bishopton village primary school. Open fields currently surround the school, the solar panels will tarnish this view and environment. The solar panels are also going to be too close to Mill Lane, which is the only place which is suitable for acitivities such as dog walks, horse riding, and exercise. The sheer size of the proposed solar farm is very concerning as Bishopton is part of a conservation area, and a large part of this will be covered by solar panels, which are not a natural part of the environment. In addition to the point above, there is a proposed cable route which runs through the historic Motte and Bailey castle site, Castle Hill, at the south side of the village. To lay this cable, the site will almost certainly be damaged, as plant machinery will need to be used to excavate the ground. This will destroy the ground on the Motte and Bailey castle site which has not been touched for many centuries. Not only will plant machinery and heavy vehicles need to be used on the castle site, it will also be used throughout the whole site, which leads to dirty and dangerous roads (despite attempts to clean it with additional heavy vehicles, much of it will still be left behind), increased road wear, and issues with traffic on the very narrow country roads.