Mallard Pass, Solar Farm, Alicia Kearns MP for Rutland and Melton Submitted a formal representation to become an interested party to the Planning Inspectorate.
Size of Development: If constructed, Mallard Pass would be by far the largest Solar Plant in the UK to date. As such, full and proper consideration is required to assess the greater impact this project would have.
Poor Consultation: Throughout the consultation process the developers failed to engage in good faith with the community or me as the Member of Parliament. I can speak to this from personal experience and on behalf of a community that feels let down. There is a total breakdown of trust and good faith.
Local Opposition: The 1,042 consultation responses from a small rural community highlight the level of opposition. I have also collected over 2,400 signatures for a Parliamentary Petition against the development so far.
Misleading Consultation Summary: The consultation summary submitted by the developers in their application is inaccurate in several areas, including misleading and false claims over topics discussed with me in meetings.
Compulsory Acquisitions: The intent of the developers to request compulsory acquisition rights, not least on Bourne Rd, was not made clear during the consultation period. When I asked if they were planning to use them, I was told they ‘hoped not to.’ This seems a deliberate misrepresentation. Human Rights Abuses in Supply Chains: There are well documented accusations against Canadian Solar for human rights abuses in their supply chains, particularly concerning Uyghurs in the Xinjiang province of China. The US Government has sanctioned some of their suppliers.
Windell Energy: There are substantial concerns over the financial record of Windell Energy’s leadership team and their suitability to construct a project of this magnitude.
BMV Land: Government guidance is clear that energy projects should not be built on BMV land. The level of BMV land on this site is unacceptable and in clear breach of Government guidance to developers.
BMV Testing: There are concerns over the accuracy of the testing methods used to determine the quality of the land across the site. These tests should be revisited and verified.
Loss of Agricultural Land: Agricultural land is a key national asset that requires protection. This application does not satisfactory mitigate a loss of this asset on this scale or convincingly demonstrate that the land will ever return to food production.
Traffic: The rural road network is not appropriate to accommodate the level of traffic this development would require. The presence of schools along likely traffic routes is also a serious safety concern.
Loss of Natural Environment: There are concerns that the applicant’s assessments of the impact the development would have on the landscape are flawed. There is currently a technical landscape and visual assessment underway but more investigations are required to ensure any long-lasting changes to the land are properly considered.
Damage to Biodiversity: The area is home to a plethora of wildlife, particularly rare wild bird species. The assessments taken by the developers have not properly explored the impact this development would have on these rare species. Local bird experts have raised concerns with me that some species have been missed altogether.
Flood Risk: There are existing flood risks and a flooding history in the area that has not been adequately considered in this application.
Recreation, Mental Health, Physical Health: The unprecedented size of this development and the fundamental changes to the landscape and communities affected will negatively impact the Mental and Physical health of residents. This has not been fully considered by the applicant. Time limit on
Planning Consent: There is no time limit on the planning consent for this development. There needs to be clear timelines if the assumptions and promises in the application are to be feasible and accountable.
Solar Panel Glare: The site is near Rutland Water, home to many rare bird species. Evidence shows that birds can mistake solar panels for water, resulting in major disruption to their habitats. Likewise, glare from solar panels can represent a risk to drivers in an area already suffering a high level of road accidents.
Carbon Benefit: There are questions over where the panels will be built and with what energy. In China for example it is not uncommon for panels to be built using power generated by burning coal. When shipping is considered, will this project actually have a net-carbon benefit?
Energy Production: There are questions over the accuracy of the forecasts for the amount of energy the project is likely to produce. If the estimates are inaccurate, the whole thesis behind the supposed benefits of the project is in question. Local Economy and Business: Local businesses reliant on the tourism draw of nature will suffer. The benefits the applicant claim the community will enjoy do not take account of the population demographics and types of employment that characterise the area
Here is my counter argument.
1. Economic and Environmental Benefits: The construction of Mallard Pass Solar Plant would create numerous job opportunities during its construction and operation phases. Furthermore, the plant would significantly contribute to the UK's renewable energy goals and reduce the nation's reliance on fossil fuels, thereby helping to mitigate climate change.
2. Improved Consultation: It is crucial to recognise that the consultation process can always be improved and enhanced. The developers should be given the opportunity to address the concerns raised and re-engage with the community and the Member of Parliament to rebuild trust and good faith. This
3. Local Support: While there is local opposition, it is important not to overlook the potential support from other community members who may see the benefits of clean energy and job creation. A more comprehensive assessment of local opinions should be conducted to ensure a balanced perspective.
4. Transparent Communication: Developers can commit to addressing any inaccuracies and omissions in the consultation summary, and ensure transparency in future communications, particularly regarding compulsory acquisitions.
5. Responsible Supply Chain Practices: Canadian Solar and Windell Energy can address human rights concerns by implementing comprehensive due diligence procedures, ensuring responsible sourcing and compliance with international standards.
6. BMV Land and Agricultural Impact: Developers can explore alternative sites or methods to minimize the impact on BMV land and agricultural activities. Additionally, they can commit to restoring the land post-project completion, ensuring its long-term viability for agriculture.
7. Traffic Management: A detailed traffic management plan can be developed to address concerns about increased traffic and safety around schools.
8. Environmental Assessments: Comprehensive assessments can be conducted, involving independent experts, to evaluate the potential impact on natural environments, biodiversity, and flood risks.
9. Health and Well-being: Developers can engage with local communities to identify potential mitigation measures, such as green spaces and recreational areas, to minimize the impact on mental and physical health.
10. Planning Consent Time Limit: Developers can propose a reasonable time limit on planning consent to ensure transparency and accountability
11. Glare Mitigation: Solar panels can be designed with anti-glare coatings or positioned to minimize glare impacts on wildlife and drivers.
12. Carbon Footprint: Developers can provide detailed information on the solar panel manufacturing process and transportation methods to demonstrate the project's net-carbon benefits.
13. Energy Production Estimates: Independent audits can be conducted to verify the accuracy of energy production forecasts and ensure transparency
14. Supporting Local Economy: Developers can work with local businesses to identify opportunities for collaboration and support, ensuring the local economy remains strong during and after the project's completion.
