Representation by Brian Birkett
- Date submitted
- 23 February 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I object strongly to the proposed solar energy plant development: • The scale and overwhelming size of this development is far beyond what ourselves and the local community should be asked to endure. The energy plant will drastically change the local area changing it from that of a rural landscape to one of an industrial development. This is quite contrary to the guidelines outlined in the East Riding Local Plan (7.61). “In determining the character and sensitivity of the landscape to accommodate development, the impact of the development on the historic character, sense of place, tranquillity and remoteness of the landscape should be considered. Some energy developments appear industrial in nature, and where there are proposals in rural areas it will be important to ensure that any cumulative effects do not lead to a perception of industrialisation, either within a particular landscape or wider area.” We would welcome small scale solar projects but not wholesale industrialisation on this scale. The area already has several wind farms, a bio-mass generation plant and Drax power station is in close proximity and the cumulative effect will be overbearing. • I feel that the public consultations held were severely inadequate with representatives of Boom being unable to answer basic questions such as whether piling would be used during construction, effects on drainage, actual energy output etc. This has led to much confusion for ourselves and other local residents. • Mitigation measures suggested such as wetland areas and over winter stubble (areas 5/17, 5/18 and 5/19 ), simply duplicate farming practices already taking place and cannot therefore been seen as mitigation against the huge loss of 3,000 acres of our rural landscape. Given the scale of the project wildlife surveys were minimal. Many mammals and farmland bird species will be badly affected by this development, wildlife is a part of our daily lives and its loss will impact on our quality of life. • In particular my home village of [REACTED] will be disproportionately affected, it’s approach being surrounded by solar panels and security fencing for several miles. The open fields and footpaths provide a valuable local amenity and the placement of a large solar development with enclosed fencing will impact severely on our mental health and well being. Mitigation planting will NOT provide screening in any reasonable timeframe. The visual impact caused by the loss of open views will be enormous and something we will have to live with on a daily basis. • Due to the increase of crime experienced at other solar developments high security fencing will inevitably be needed, this has happened elsewhere. These fences will be a permanent scar on our landscape. • The construction noise created by thousands of steel piles being hammered into the ground will be extremely disruptive and stressful to local residents, particularly as some of the planned construction is only yards from our homes. • The vast majority of the energy plant is located down single track roads which serve our village. With narrow twisted bends, these are quite unsuitable for such a weight of traffic required for such a large development. Use of these roads CANNOT be avoided. Mains water services run beside many singe track roads close to our village and have been damaged numerous times by heavy vehicles. • The loss of agricultural land, which local farmers have vouched is highly viable, will impact on food security and local employment. Lowland farming is an important part of our cultural heritage and will be greatly diminished by this development. These fields provide valuable crops such as rape seed and wheat which are currently in critically short in supply, the soils are also very draught tolerant, which is vital given our changing climate.