Representation by Dr & Mrs Marshall (Dr & Mrs Marshall)
- Date submitted
- 21 February 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I wish to register my opposition to the proposed East Yorkshire Solar Farm development for the following reasons:- The loss of food production resulting from the loss of 3500 acres of predominantly good and productive agricultural land would reduce UK food security and leave the nation more reliant upon imports and therefore more vulnerable to the effects of geopolitical instability. A concern recognised and advocated by the current PM. The loss of such a vast area of rural East Yorkshire and the effective industrialisation of the landscape will have a detrimental effect on both local population and those who visit to benefit from the rural amenity, agricultural employment infrastructure and culture. It will discourage visitors to the area and local businesses which rely on this will suffer. There is firm evidence to suggest that such a development would have a negative impact on the mental, social, emotional and physical health and well-being of those caught within its confines and those who simply enjoy rural life and having close access to the beautiful countryside views, walks and the natural history this area offers. Wildlife would be adversely affected by the presence of vast arrays of panels, their supports and electrical networking in addition to the erection of fencing which will restrict views and animal movement. Also increased noise pollution from cooling fans, lift motors, inverters and battery storage would have a negative impact, as well as the probability of increased light pollution. Such infrastructural changes would make it extremely difficult and expensive to return the site to its original status at the end of its proposed 40 year life. The loss of such a large swathe of productive land / countryside and the impact on the area cannot be justified nor risked. Installing as few as 26 more new generation (15+ MW) wind turbines in the offshore fields could deliver the equivalent output (400MW) or more whilst retaining precious countryside and productive farmland.