Representation by Susan Wilkinson
- Date submitted
- 29 September 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
[REDACTED] 29 September 2024 I am writing to express my very deep concerns and objection regarding the proposed Helios Solar farm with battery energy storage system and associated infrastructure on land west of the village of Camblesforth and north of the village of Hirst Coutney, Selby, North Yorkshire area, which will, if passed, will completely annihilate an extremely productive agricultural area of top-grade agricultural land. We are not talking about a couple of fields this is a VAST proposal of approximately 476 ha/ 1176 acres. MY OBJECTIONS Agricultural Farmland ? The majority of the land is grade 2 with some 3a and of top growing quality. This land produces valuable crops from wheat, barley, oats, root vegetables and many others to supply food for our country. ? We need to be as self-sufficient as possible in order to feed our nation. ? We currently import 1.3 million tonnes of wheat and food shortages are an increasing concern. We import 48% of food consumes and this is rising year on year. We only need to see this on our local supermarket shelves. What would happen if other countries’ crops fail and they are unable to supply our needs? We have already seen the impact that war can have on our food supplies. Any shortages and countries will supply their own nation in the first instance. Be realistic in this current climate – we need food to survive. The prime land in our area is flat which makes it perfect for agricultural use and by putting solar panels on agricultural land does not make sense as it takes a whole swathe of growing landscape out of production for 40 years!!!! Really. ? I would really like to know if the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero [currently, Ed Milliband] engage in conversations with the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs [currently, Steve Reed] to discuss the misuse of vast swathes of good quality agricultural land being covered with solar panels. Wildlife ? We currently have an abundance of wildlife within our area from deer, hares, squirrels and many, many species of birdlife. Many of these animals will be lost to our area should this application be passed, which, might I say, has been described as featureless!!! by someone who obviously does not know the area very well!!!! It is an area that is anything but featureless – if only the powers that be could see with their eyes open instead of looking at a cash register sign. We have the privilege of living here and watching the seasons pass with each bringing their own story from Spring [planting season], Summer [watching the crops grow], Autumn [harvesting all crops] and the stillness of Winter [letting the land recover] it is a sight to behold. Mental Health ? The country lanes are used by many people on a very regular basis with dog walkers, runners, cyclists or people just out for a stroll to enhance their wellbeing and I am one of these persons. ? The impact on my mental health will, I feel, be compromised – will Mr Milliband have that on his conscience if this plan is passed – I think not. ? I am a regular jogger and cyclist around the local lanes it gives me great joy to be able to look around and see nature at work. We already have an overstretched NHS and I do not wish to add to their burden. Road Structure ? The current road system is worn out not just in our area, but widespread. Are we to just tolerate them getting clogged up with further lorries going back and forth. I live just off the A1041 which is a main artery into Selby and carries heavy lorries, buses, emergency services, cars, tractors and trailers, motorbikes and push bikes constantly – it is a very busy road and it will not be able to cope with excessive traffic. I have to cycle along that road sometimes and I can tell you it is not a very nice experience. Mr Milliband may have his tick list of objectives that he needs to achieve and tell the government he has met his targets – at what cost is what I ask. In the next 40 years he will certainly not be Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom, so he will not be at all troubled at getting rid of solar panels, no this will be left to our children’s, children to try and fathom out. Perhaps they will make a feature of them to improve our featureless landscape!!! I am also old enough to remember paper bags the first time round until we were all encouraged to use plastic bags which got into our seas and rivers polluting our fish and land…….have no worries the old paper bags are back!!!! Do our government ministers ever learn?