Representation by Jonathan Coupland
- Date submitted
- 17 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I strongly object to the proposed industrialisation of Bishopton and surrounding areas by blighting the landscape with solar panels, battery storage, security fencing, roads and infrastructure. I moved to Bishopton for a peaceful life in a beautiful area, the drive in to the village is stunning all year round and I immediately feel at ease when I see the clock tower of our church. If the scheme goes ahead it will change village life forever, affecting not only the character of our historic village but tear at the hearts of those resident here, our neighbours. The proposed industrialised development is mammouth and the effect is compounded by neighbouring schemes, there will be no escape from it, we will see it wherever we go, it’s already very stressful as a proposal but if built will affect the mental health of many. I worry about the natural habitat of our local wildlife, we often see hunting birds looking for their food, deer roaming and much more through the very fields that these panels will be planted. We already suffer from heavy traffic transiting the village at rush hour times, which is amplified during winter periods where several of the local roads are axel deep in flood water, I am concerned that the route of the cables will greatly impacts the area along the country roads locally. The visual impact on the area will be horrendous, high fences, security cameras and acres and acres of sterile generators where natural views once were. I fear for the future of our local school, we don’t know what the impact of solar generators near a school will be in years to come, I’ve already heard stories of people wishing to take their children out of the school if the scheme goes ahead. If the battery storage ignites and causes a fire the hazard caused by the effect of quenching will potentially pollute surrounding farmland that isn’t having panels erected on them. Noise and hassle during construction, it will be a nightmare on these tight twisty country roads. There is clearly a need to develop areas to secure energy security, we understand that, but we should protect our countryside, it’s simply stupidity, put these solar developments in industrial area as part of a planning requirement, on rooftops out of the way, they are ugly and costly to our environment. Don’t sacrifice energy security at the cost of food security! Thank you