Representation by HALT (HALT)
- Date submitted
- 28 September 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
This is BMV land, much of which is red tractor assured, the land produces high yields of essential food stuff, such as root vegetables and cereal crops. The Barley produced in this area is used by the local breweries to produce high quality beer. The size and scale of the proposed solar farm which will transform an agricultural area into a industrial area. Plus the cumulative impact with the other 2 already approved solar farms will surround some of the villages completely changing the entire area. The impact on public amenity. There has been a lack of consultation, the parish councils of Camblesforth, Carlton, Burn & Hirst Courtney/ West Bank have not been consulted. There has been no consultation in Burn or in Hirst Courtney or West Bank. The suggested size of the panels are bigger than any currently used in the UK, the impact is increased due to the size, these have not been tested so close to houses, the proximity of this site is very close to houses in all areas, which is a real concern for residents in many respects. The area is a flood zone 2 & 3, there is a risk this will increase flooding in the area, as the water will not be absorbed by the land once the land isn't turned regularly. This is a risk to homes & residents. The risk of water contamination with a principle aquifer in a source zone protection. With over 100 battery storage units planned and no plan in place to put out a fire, there is a real risk should a fire start Camblesforth will have to be evaquated due to the prevailing winds in the area. Enso have asked for the acceptable noise levels to be increased due to the noise levels which will come from the Battery containers, this will have a serious impact on the health and well being of residents across all four villages. The police in the area are concerned about the increase in crime if this should go ahead. It has been proven, these large scale sites do increase crime. There is a real worry about the increase in HGV & LGV traffic in the area on roads which are mainly single track & not built to take a continuous stream of large vehicles. The roads and tracks are used regularly, daily by equestrians, cyclists & walkers if large metal fences are erected around the perimeter there will be no refuge areas to safely get out of the way of the big vehicles or any vehicles which will make them unusable for over 50 horses in the area particularly. The impact to wildlife & biodiversity. There are large numbers of bluebells & snowdrops in the area, plus many red list birds and bats all which will be impacted should this happen.