Representation by Reginald William Price
- Date submitted
- 12 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
A development of this size will be have a serious effect on wildlife wherever it is sited so the first issue is to justify the necessity for the project in the first place and the size of the site in the second place. I object to the specific development location as the 24/7 nature of the business will have a drastic effect on local wildlife due to its proximity to Burbage Wood and Common. Insects are at or near the base of the food chain for many birds and mammals and are essential pollinators for many crops. We have lost around 80% of our flying insects in the last few decades. Night time lighting will completely disrupt night flying insects especially moths which 'see' light as a pheromone, hence moth to a flame. Also it has just been established that diesel fumes mask the scent of flowers for pollinating insects. A site of this size using diesel vehicles will produce a huge plume of pollution over a huge area. If buildings of this size are necessary and justified , would it be possible for the builders/investors to make the huge roofing areas and some south facing walls, solar farms? Possibly encourage by adjustment of planning regulation or tax incentives. At the very least we would minimize the land use by combining the area required. Given the power requirements of these huge warehouses there would presumably be some economies of scale on the cost of integrating solar farms with the electricity grid at the same location. At a more minor level the area around these buildings, always planted with something, could be made wildlife friendly. I understand that wild flower meadows should only be cut/mowed once or twice a year. A win for the site owners maintenance costs and for wildlife. Reg Price A member of, but not speaking on behalf of, The Leicestershire Entomology Group