Representation by Lisa Cooper
- Date submitted
- 28 September 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The proposed Helios solar farm development near our village raises numerous concerns about its impact on the local environment, community, and overall well-being. The scale and scope of this project, along with its potential long-term consequences, demand careful reconsideration. The points below summarize the various issues we believe should be addressed: 1. Impact on Prime Agricultural Land: - A staggering 96% of the land earmarked for the solar farm falls under Grades 1, 2, or 3a, which are among the most fertile and valuable for agriculture. In the midst of growing concerns about food security, particularly during times of global instability, it is irresponsible to convert such high-quality land for non-agricultural use. Other alternatives, such as brownfield sites or rooftops, remain underutilized. 2. Cumulative Burden on the Region: - With Helios set to introduce 190 MW of solar energy on 476 hectares, the project would significantly add to the already overwhelming presence of energy infrastructure in the area, which is now approaching over 2,100 hectares (equivalent to 8 square miles). The cumulative effect of existing and proposed developments threatens to engulf the surrounding villages, transforming them into a sprawling energy zone. 3. Noise and Construction Disruptions: - The construction phase is projected to last up to three years, bringing continuous noise, dust, and disruption to residents. Additionally, the noise from the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) could reach between 70–90 dBs, creating a constant nuisance and potentially hazardous environment for those living nearby. Pile driving and the movement of heavy vehicles will only exacerbate the issue, effectively turning the area into an industrial construction site. 4. Fire Hazards and Health Concerns: - The installation of 100 BESS units presents a serious fire risk, especially given their proximity to homes. Should a fire occur, the release of toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride could pose significant health risks to the local population. With the potential for these emissions to spread to nearby villages, the safety of thousands of residents could be compromised. 5. Ecological Impact and Wildlife: - The project threatens the local biodiversity, with wildlife such as red-listed birds, bats, badgers, and deer facing disruption to their habitats. Although Helios has promised biodiversity enhancements like wildflower meadows and grazing sheep, these measures fail to address the real impact on the existing ecosystem. 6. Risk of Flooding: - The land sits in flood zones 2 and 3a, making it vulnerable to flooding. The compaction of the ground during construction, along with the runoff generated by the solar panels, could worsen the situation, leading to an increased flood risk for the surrounding area. 7. Threats to Water Supply: - Situated on a principal aquifer and within a source protection zone, the construction could disrupt groundwater channels, with the risk of contamination from any leakage. Given the scale of the development, this poses a serious threat to local water supplies, which are vital for both agriculture and residents. 8. Effect on Mobile and Internet Services: - Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact of the solar farm on mobile phone reception and broadband services. In a rural area where connectivity is already intermittent, further disruptions could negatively affect day-to-day life. 9. Toxic Materials and Environmental Damage: - The solar panels proposed for this project contain toxic substances, including cadmium and lead, as well as materials like gallium arsenide and copper-indium-gallium-diselenide. These hazardous chemicals could potentially leach into the environment, creating further health and safety risks. 10. Long-Term Irreversible Damage: - Although solar farms are often promoted as temporary installations, the potential for irreversible damage to the land is significant. The piling process may cause long-term soil compaction, affecting the land’s ability to return to agricultural use after the 40-year lifespan of the project. 11. Untested Solar Technology: - The type of photovoltaic panels proposed by Helios has not been fully tested at the scale required for this project. There are concerns about their reliability and the additional noise they might generate due to their sun-tracking capabilities. This unproven technology adds to the uncertainty surrounding the project. 12. Traffic Congestion and Pollution: - Over 50 HGV deliveries a day are expected throughout the construction period, significantly increasing traffic and pollution levels in the area. With the various energy projects already planned, ongoing maintenance and vehicle movements will result in long-term disruption to local roads. 13. Health and Wellbeing of Residents: - There is little data available on the impact that a project of this scale could have on local health and wellbeing. The sheer size and proximity of this development to residents could affect physical, emotional, and mental health, with no studies or assessments to reassure the community of its safety. 14. Carbon Footprint and Sustainability: - While solar power is generally regarded as environmentally friendly, the overall carbon footprint of this project from manufacturing to decommissioning is unclear. How long will it take for the project to offset the carbon generated in its construction and operation? Additionally, questions remain about the sourcing of raw materials and the disposal of obsolete panels and batteries. 15. Foreign Ownership and Applicant Concerns: - There are significant concerns about the qualifications and motivations of the applicant, Enso Energy, which is owned by an Australian venture capital firm. This complex web of companies raises questions about whether the organization truly has the best interests of the local community at heart, or if it is driven purely by profit. 16. Property Devaluation: - Although not officially considered in the planning process, there is no doubt that the value of properties near the development will be negatively affected. Residents, who previously enjoyed open countryside views, will now find themselves living next to an industrial-scale energy installation, which is bound to decrease the desirability and value of their homes. 17. Insufficient Public Consultation: - Despite promises to engage with local residents and address their concerns, Helios has failed to follow through. Invitations from parish councils have been declined, and many in the community remain unaware of the full scale and impact of the development. This lack of meaningful consultation has left residents feeling unheard and unsupported. In conclusion, this project threatens to alter the character of our village and its surroundings permanently. While renewable energy is important, the Helios proposal raises significant concerns about food security, biodiversity, health, and the overall quality of life in the area. We urge for a thorough reassessment of the project, proper consultation with the community, and consideration of alternative sites that pose fewer risks.