Chair of Mallard Pass Action Group 'concerned' over new solar farm plans near Grantham
The site would use renewable energy to power 15,000 homes
The Chair of Mallard Pass Action Group, who're campaigning against a 2,000-acre solar farm build spanning across Rutland and Stamford farmland, is 'concerned' over plans for a new site further north.
The new proposal, entirely separate from Windel Energy and Canadian Solar's Mallard Pass site, would be built near Grantham, on Belvoir Estate farmland.
If approved, the 40-year project will power 15,000 homes using 50 megawatts of renewable energy.
Sue Holloway, chairman of Mallard Pass Action Group, said: 'our concern, when you look at the cumulative impact of all of these solar farms, is on the loss of agricultural land, and that is a major concern.'
'It is industrialisation of the countryside, the countryside is finite, our food production is also finite, so we have to treat these resources very respectfully.'
'Solving the energy need and creating a further problem in undermining our food security is not the answer. If we're to look smarter, building panels on brownfield locations, commercial rooftops and rooftops of residential housing, that is a far better way and we can create a win-win situation.'
It comes after South Kesteven District Council submitted a reply to the proposal over assurances around the Grantham Canal:
“It should be clearly demonstrated that the proposal would not lead to any unacceptable risk to ecology, flood risk, water resources and water quality of the canal. Further, the solar farm should not be a barrier to developing the canal’s recreational, nature conservation, heritage, and tourism potential,” the council has said.
READ MORE: Public voice concerns over Mallard Pass in Q&A hosted by Rutland and Melton MP
READ MORE: Campaigners say scheme will create "sea of solar panels" across South Lincolnshire
As a result of the comments by SKDC and other local bodies, Melton Borough Council have said that an environmental impact assessment will be needed before a full application is submitted.
JBM Solar, who are behind the project, say: “The site has been carefully selected as part of a detailed feasibility process. Consideration has been given to, amongst other things; grid capacity, solar irradiation, environmental designations, cultural heritage, ecology/bi-diversity, flood risk and agricultural quality.”