Yahoo News 'I think it's the future now' - villagers give views on solar farms after major scheme's approval
A North East Lincolnshire village is to have a third large solar farm constructed near it, but its residents and visitors do not appear majorly concerned by the trend.
Solar farms are on the rise in Lincolnshire. A major solar farm proposed near Waltham and Barnoldby le Beck was granted planning permission last month.
The 43.7MW solar farm and 10MW battery energy storage system (BESS), put forward by Renewable Connections, will be adjacent two existing large solar farms, off Bradley Road, to the north of the gap between Waltham and Barnoldby.
Waltham people spoken to on an ideal sunny May day for solar farms largely supported their development.
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"I'm in favour of them until something comes along," said Humberston resident Jim Johnson, out to the shops with Elaine. He felt more effective forms of energy generation would come during the future solar farm's lifespan. "Forty years time, it should be better, shouldn't it," he said.
On the visual aspect, he had no strong view in opposition. "I can't say that, because I ain't got them in my backyard." Elaine was also largely in favour, dependent on the land solar farms are sited on. "It's just if it takes up too much farming land for agriculture."
Out for a walk with dog Tag, Sarah Roberts supported solar farms. "I think it's the future now, isn't it really. We've got to start thinking more renewables."
"I know people have been worried about the build of them, like lorries, HGV and things like that going through the village. But they've got to build them." The new solar farm near Waltham is to direct all construction traffic to access out of peak hours, and from Bradley Road to the roundabout A46 / Laceby Road, bypassing going through Waltham.
On the new farm being on agricultural land, Sarah said: "It's better than giving it all to property developers and having more houses." Waltham area has been subject to several significant housing scheme proposals recently.
Sarah also had no issues visually. "I mean are we really going to be looking at it now, because it's going to be in a field." She added it would help with tackling global warming.
There has been a backlash at times in Lincolnshire, with residents of more than 30 villages even coming together to oppose more solar on farmland. The recently approved solar farm off Bradley Road had three objectors only.
Agricultural land
While visual concerns were not raised by people in Waltham, unease about loss of agricultural land when solar farms are built was. "It basically depends on where it is," said Richard, who had popped out of Spar. "Greenfield farming land taken out of production. I mean if we need to be food sustainable in this country..." he said, indicating dismay.
If they were put somewhere like the North York Moors, farms would not be so affected but the grouse will, he said, suggesting the Tory government would not be keen. Ultimately, he said: "It's how much power you're getting off them per year compared to other forms of generating energy, for the amount of space they're taking up."
"I have noticed quite a few have started appearing on the A180," he commented on their spread. He suggested North East Lincolnshire got more wind than sunshine, though.
Enjoying the sunshine outside The King's Head were Brian Jebson and Heidi Hodgson. Brian was unconvinced on renewables. "I think it's a waste of time. I've just retired and used to do a lot of wind farms," he said. "The footprint behind it all is colossal," noting turbine parts had to be shipped from abroad.
He urged to check out wind farms in Scotland, which he claimed trees had been cut down to. He also recalled that wind turbine blades have a lifespan of 25 years, and felt it wasteful.
National Grid-published information indicates turbine blades have an up to 25 year lifespan. About 96 per cent of the blades can be recycled, but not fibreglass used, which goes to landfill.
As for solar, Brian said: "I don't personally see how we get enough sun. I've got them on my house but I can't see any difference in them." Heidi was broadly in favour of them.
"If it was to benefit people more locally, then fine," she said of the electricity produced. "But it's not, it'll go to London, like the big pylons," she said, referencing National Grid's proposed Grimsby West to Walpole overhead pylon line.
An annual community benefit fund will be created to use some of the future solar farm's profit locally. This is planned to cover a 3km radius from the site. A planning document details it could have a kitty of near £90,000.
Cleethorpes resident Les Smith characterised the pro-solar farm view. "I think it's the way of the future, you've got to harness the heat haven't you?" He felt people should be more concerned about potential nuclear waste storage in Theddlethorpe.
