Representation by Michael Sherwood
- Date submitted
- 28 September 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
1 - Use of green and agricultural land, instead of brownfield. 2 - Cumulative Impact, we moved here in January not realising the extent of this application, and although the power plant is near, adding 8 square miles of solar panels around this village is ludicrous and doesn't take into account the well-being of the people. 3 - Nature conservation - birds, badgers, moles, bats, and deer and more in the area will suffer as a result of this development. Rewilding (money saving) will not fix the damage to be caused here. 4 - Traffic from HGV vehicles, on top of already busy roads where there is often congestion because of HGVs going in both directions, and no further infrastructure to combat this. 5 - Radio activity from such large lithium batteries. Is there a hidden disclaimer for liability? 6 - Risk of Flooding as the area in question sits on flood zones 2 and 3a risk flood areas. The compaction of the ground during the construction phase alongside the concentrated run off from the panels can add to the risk of flooding. 7 -Health & Wellbeing of local residents Currently there is no other development of this size so close to residents nationally and therefore no evidence or data available on the short- and long-term impact on aspects of health and wellbeing. 8 -Impact on Mobile and Internet Devices. This development could negatively impact the already patchy and intermittent broadband and television reception. The whole area has terrible reception, and no new masts are planned that I can see. As 4G and 5G work very differently from 3G, the signal bouncing around now will to get any better with 8 square miles of solar panels, what is the be done about this as residents are at a disadvantage. 9 -Assessment of the Lifetime Carbon Footprint of the Solar Panels and batteries From cradle to the grave, what assessment regarding the impact on the carbon footprint has been carried out by Helios? Eg Where & how are raw materials sourced, what happens to batteries and panels when they are no longer operational. How long will this massive site have to run before it makes up the carbon it has produced in its construction and operation. How much is being paid in government subsidies without these answers? 10 -Lack of Proper Consultation Lip service only has been paid by Helios to public consultation. At initial meetings, Helios promised to see all local residents who were directly affected to hear their concerns. This never happened. Numerous invitations by local Parish Councils, such as Camblesforth for Helios to attend their meetings, have been declined. Hence so many are completely unaware of the scale of this project and the irreversible impact on their health, well being and enjoyment of this rural area.