Representation by Nicholas Thompson
- Date submitted
- 29 September 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I oppose the development of the solar farm, and I would like to state my concerns below:- 1. Impact of Noise and Glare Pollution on Work and Daily Life As an IT professional working from home, I rely on a quiet environment for productivity and regular video meetings. I am particularly concerned about the noise from piling and other construction activities, which, due to the open countryside, is likely to travel further and disrupt my ability to work effectively. This level of noise would be highly intrusive and detrimental to my day-to-day life. I also have concerns regarding the glare the solar farm would generate that might also impact my work as it would last approximately an hour or so as I understand. Likewise, I am concerned that noise from the inverters may disrupt my life. 2. Loss of Accessible Open Countryside Old Lane, Moss Green Lane and Brick Lands Lane are the only surfaced, tarmac country lanes available to the local community, making them essential local resources for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and parents with prams. These country lanes provide a peaceful, traffic-free environment, which will be severely impacted by the industrialisation of the surrounding landscape. The installation of CCTV raises privacy concerns, and the noise from inverters, along with the loss of scenic countryside, will undoubtedly discourage the community from using these lanes, diminishing the quality of life for many residents. 3. Increased Risk of Crime The development will alter the open countryside, potentially increasing the risk of crimes like fly-tipping. Currently, the openness of the landscape discourages such activities. However, the introduction of foliage and screening could create opportunities for criminal behaviour, leading to further strain on local resources and enforcement. 4. Cumulative Impact of Solar Farm Development A solar farm is already under construction next to the proposed site, and the cumulative impact of potentially additional solar farms being built in the area over the next 15-20 years could lead to significant industrialisation of the landscape and loss of prime agricultural land. With 40-year planning permissions, vast portions of our countryside could be dominated by solar farms, extending into the 2080s and beyond. This long-term transformation raises serious concerns, particularly if future policies change due to food security issues, increasing the likelihood of concentrating further solar farm developments in already established areas. 5. Traffic and Road Safety Considerations Given the proximity of the site to the A1041, I urge consideration of the implications for traffic and safety. The A1041 already has high traffic levels, with numerous fatalities and serious incidents reported. Emergency services, including helicopters, must be able to respond quickly to accidents, which may be hindered by the development. Furthermore, over the 40-year period, the A1041 may require additional land in future to facilitate potential upgrade to a dual carriageway or to add additional cycle lanes, particularly given the road’s hazardous history. 6. Flooding Concerns and Emergency Access During the 2020 floods, Hirst Courtney was effectively cut off, with only Brick Lands Lane providing access in and out of the village for a time. The proposed solar farm sits in this critical location, and I fear it may impede access for emergency vehicles, such as fire engines, during future flood events. Ensuring this road remains open and accessible to large vehicles is essential for future flood response efforts. 7. Fire Risks from Battery Storage The battery storage associated with this project presents significant fire risks. In the event of a fire, it is vital that the fire brigade can access the site without delay. Moreover, should water be used to extinguish a fire, there is a risk that toxic chemicals could leach into the soil, creating long-term environmental hazards. Given the proximity to the A1041 and existing traffic issues, serious consideration should be given to establishing a fire station closer to the site that is able to deal with the unique challenges involved in large-scale lithium battery fires.