Representation by Robert Brook
- Date submitted
- 6 March 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am a resident of [REDACTED] and am concerned that our peaceful and beautiful area is under threat from a massive industrial solar panel project. This project proposes to surround several small villages in our area with 3000 acres of solar panels. Whilst I understand the importance of renewable energy, this particular project will have devastating consequences for our local environment and wildlife. I fear that it will cause excess traffic, flooding, disruption and destruction of farming land - all vital aspects that make up the fabric of our community. Solar farms can lead to habitat loss for wildlife species if not properly managed (source: National Wildlife Federation). Additionally, they can contribute to soil erosion and water runoff if not carefully designed (source: Environmental Protection Agency). In a region like ours where agriculture plays a significant role in local economy and lifestyle, these impacts cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the increase in traffic during construction, which will likely last at least 2 years, will disrupt daily life for residents, put pets and children at risk from inappropriate speeding while also contributing to significant noise pollution and an increased risk of accidents on the narrow lanes around here. Moreover, once operational these fields might lead to an increase in surface water runoff leading potentially to flooding issues (source: Environment Agency). This year has been bad enough in Spaldington as it's a high clay area. I urge those responsible for approving this project to consider its full environmental impact on our community before making their decision. I suspect there's too much money involved to halt the project but if it can be done in such a way as to keep the panels out of sight of peoples' homes and ensure the current small lanes are not used for bulk traffic and heavy plant. One of the Boom representatives told me they would use new routes generated by the developers across their own sites and not use the small lanes and tracks round here. Hopefully that's true but.. Also, Boom should do something to benefit the community such as funding full fibre broadband. They seem to mention "we need consensus". As a member of a community group this is hard to achieve in small villages as most moved here for the peace and quiet. I hope Boom don't use this as an opportunity not to do anything as a result.