'What about wind energy?': Alicia Kearns sends message over Mallard Pass
Residents have until midnight on March 2nd to have their say
Rutland's MP says she still has clear concerns over plans to build the UK's biggest solar farm at Mallard Pass.
Alicia Kearns MP is urging members of the public to have their say before the 2nd March 2023, when the next stage of development begins.
A renewable alternative?
She agreed that "we all need to go green", but has herself suggested constructing wind turbines as a local alternative:
'I'm a big, big fan of wind energy - I think it's a natural asset for us. We and the Taiwanese are actually the leading countries in the world for wind power, particularly offshore.'
'Certain villages will be 95% surrounded by solar panels, the energy will not be coming to our villages and towns, we are not going to benefit.'
'I'm worried about the biodiversity impact. This is some of the most beautiful land in the country but it is agricultural land - we are part of the core agricultural heart of our country.'
An 'enhanced' local environment
Sarah Price, planning lead for the Mallard Pass Solar Farm, said in a statement last month:
“We are delighted to announce that our application for Mallard Pass has been accepted for Examination, and look forward to the pre-Examination and Examination periods. It is our ambition to deliver a project that provides reliable, low-cost and sustainable energy to our national grid while responding sensitively to the local environment, providing opportunities for surrounding communities, and offering enhancements to wildlife and biodiversity."
"We are grateful to everyone who has shared their views with us so far, helping shape our Application for Mallard Pass Solar Farm."
Members of the public can have their say here: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/east-midlands/mallard-pass-solar-project/?ipcsection=overview