Representation by Helen Alison Rhodes
- Date submitted
- 9 February 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
have many concerns about the siting of the Solar Farm on productive grade 3 farmland in a time when we are already having global issues with food shortages currently most of the fields are growing wheat, barley and oil seed rape all commodities that we are currently importing into the country. My main point of concern is the extension of the plan and the new fields 1G , 1H and 1E ( as shown on the map) . These fields where not part of the initial proposal and at the consultation it became very clear to me that they have been included last minute with little or no consideration. At the consultation I mentioned that I lived on the other side of the foulness directly opposite these fields for a period of 38 years – they said that they didn’t know there was dwellings in that area and that they had not completed any impact assessment on our properties – Using these 3 fields for a solar farm will have a direct effect on 3 Residential dwellings. The map that is been used for the consultation is out of date and doesn’t include those dwellings. This to me shows a lack of depth and understanding of local issues and superficial research to tick boxes. When I asked about the environmental and ecological studies completed on the area I was give a very evasive answer as to if any had been carried out on the 3 fields as mentioned. On pushing this question was told that they where in the very early stages of the study. Which in my mind means no study has so far been completed. I consider this to be exceptionally worrying that a company can include land in a planning application and go out to public consultation when they have not got even a basic understanding of the issues using this land may cause. Again showing me that this is a company that is just completing a tick box exercise and trying to pull the wool over they eyes of the public and planning departments.If Boom had completed any form of environmental study in this area over even a 6 month period they would know that this land is unsuitable and the use of it would have a direct impact and dire consequences to around 1000 migrating pink legged geese which arrive here every year from their breeding grounds in Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland. These Geese have been coming to these fields for at least 30 years they come and forage on the crops and rest. They do not want wetlands which is proposed for some of the area they want crops that they can forage on the build up their strength for their onward journey. Reducing the area for them to forage will make them prone to malnutrition and death. Over the last 50 years my family has been farming the land over the river from the fields mentioned above we have created a nature zone along the riverbanks and have been farming in a way that has ensured we encourage as many animals as possible and birds into the area to create a diverse eco system. We have made otter holts and successfully encouraged otters back to the river that are raising their young along the riverbank. We have developed areas for nesting birds, scrapes for wading birds’ small woodland areas for deer’s, and badgers all of which live along the banks of the foulness. We have encouraged Owls and Barn owls, Little Owls, Tawny owls and long eared owls which all hunt for rodents along the river. We have kingfishers which fish in the river, lapwings and curlews which nest in the fields adjacent to the river and we have families of deer that live and move feely along the river basin brown hares in abundance, And within ½ mile of the site we have great crested Newts. There is a whole range of birds that live along the river basin and will be seriously affected by this proposal – this includes Kingfishers, Skylarks, tree and house sparrows, yellow hammers, cookoo’s. Lesser and greater spotted woodpeckers these birds are on the SPI spices and are all red listed as birds of conservation concern. These will all be seriously affected and displaced by the solar farm and the nose and disruption cased by it. The fencing that you are proposing around the site will have a detrimental effect on the movement of wildlife which would also cause long term issues as I know and see numerous deer, and Hares living on these fields . I believe if an in-depth study of this area had been completed before the consultation, then the fields suggested would not have been included in the proposal. An in depth environmental and ecological study over sustained period must be completed immediately before any further progression is made to develop these fields. Please also find below areas that I have of concern which I would like you to take into consideration during this consultation process. Health Solar farms have an impact on human health, as they emit noise pollution, reflective glare and heat during their operation. There is also a possibility that chemicals used in the production of solar panels and batteries can pose health and environmental risks. Recent studies have raised concerns about the possible health effects of living near solar farms. The biggest concern is the exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Solar panels emit low-frequency EMR, which can interfere with electronic devices and affect the health of humans and animals. Studies have found that living near high-voltage power lines can increase the risk of leukaemia and other cancers. While the EMR from solar farms is much lower, there is still a possibility of harm. Some solar panels contain cadmium and lead, which can cause health problems if not properly disposed of. Inhaling or ingesting these materials can lead to lung damage, kidney problems, and other health issues. The noise from solar panel cooling systems can also disrupt sleep and cause stress. In an area which currently has no nose pollution ,then this is a great concern. Mental Health Building a solar farm will have a detrimental effect on mine and that of my family members mental health and wellbeing. We are currently surrounded by nature and green fields and greatly value our scenic landscape and natural habitats that over the years as a family we have created. We highly value the nature and calm and quietness of our surroundings and have lived enjoying this for 38 years. Installing large solar panels will almost definitely affect the visual aesthetics of my home and will absolutely ruin the view. Not only that but we live in a home which has very large windows to maximize the view ( see photo 1. below) This view will now be made up of fields of solar panels facing east towards our windows. And the glare from the solar panels will shine directly into the two largest rooms within our home We will be directly impacted by the work as it is established the nose of establishing the solar panels and the workmen involved will have a direct view into 50% of our home. This will undoubtedly be intrusion of our privacy. Birds and wildlife This land is taken away from natural habitats and ecosystems that wildlife depends on to survive. The loss of land and vegetation will disrupt the food chain and nesting grounds for numerous species, causing many to relocate or die out completely. Solar panels can become dangerous traps for birds. The reflective surfaces can confuse and disorient them, leading to collisions that often result in serious injuries or death. Studies have also shown that solar farms can attract large numbers of insects, which in turn attracts more predators to the area, further disrupting the natural balance. Solar farms require frequent maintenance and upkeep, leading to more human activity and disturbance in already fragile ecosystems. The use of heavy machinery and equipment can also damage the soil and surrounding habitats, making it even more challenging for wildlife to recover .Research shows that large-scale solar farms have negative impacts on local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The construction and operation of solar farms generates noise pollution and electromagnetic fields. These emissions can alter animal behaviour and affect communication between species, as some birds and insects rely on acoustic cues and magnetic fields to navigate. This causes stress and disrupt the breeding and feeding cycles of the birds. This change can lead to smaller populations in these species, which ultimately has ripple effects on ecosystems. Geese are social birds and prefer nesting in open areas near water bodies, fields, and agricultural lands. However, the rapid growth of solar farms worldwide is causing a significant change in the habitat of these birds. These panels reflect the light and sound differently, disturbing the birds' natural patterns and creating an unusual environment that makes it harder for them to breed, nest and raise their young. We know that this is land used by at least 1000 migrating Geese. These plans will absolutely have a detrimental effect on them. Geese are be sensitive to sound, and with large machinery used for maintenance and cleaning, they are likely to be more disrupted, which affects their migration patterns and even their sense of direction. As the plans stand I am greatly opposed to the establishment of a solar farm. And I feel the consultation process has been a paper exercise only and hasn't given us the answers to any of the questions asked.