Solar Farm Application - Parish Council's Response

Re. Letter of Objection ERE/0825/0028 (Proposed Solar Farm Boyah Grange Farm)

Dear Mr Birkinshaw,

I am writing on behalf of the members of Dale Abbey Parish Council to formally object to the planning application for the proposed solar farm at Boyah Grange Farm. While the Parish Council fully support renewable energy initiatives and their role in tackling climate change, members have significant concerns about the specific impact this development would have on our local environment, community, and infrastructure.

1. Environmental Impact

The proposed site is located within an area that is rich in local wildlife, natural features, and contains land of significant agricultural value. The construction and operation of the solar farm would have adverse effects on the local ecosystem, particularly the flora and fauna in the vicinity. There are number of concerns about the deterioration in the land quality if the application is successful such as soil compaction, increased risk of erosion and the loss of current agricultural land, further contributing to national food security concerns. Given the importance of this land, Dale Abbey Parish Council believes the environmental cost of this solar farm development outweighs its potential benefits

2. Visual and Aesthetic Impact

The location of the proposed solar farm is situated within green belt land between the Ilkeston and Derby conurbations, which is valued for its natural beauty, historical significance and scenic values. Dale Abbey village contains both a Scheduled Monument and sits within a designated Conservation Area. Furthermore, sites such as Hermit's Wood and Hermit's Cave (a 12th-century carved site) are ancient and cherished landscapes with over 60 recorded flowering species and fine beech and oak woodland which is typical of the land surrounding the village. The installation of large-scale solar panels on nearby agricultural land would severely disrupt the visual aesthetics of the area, affecting not only local residents but also visitors who come to enjoy the rural or natural landscape. The scale of the development, particularly in relation to the existing topography, would be out of place and detrimental to the area's character.

3. Traffic and Infrastructure Strain

The construction phase of the solar farm would bring a significant increase in traffic, particularly heavy vehicles, to what is a predominantly rural road network. There are already significant concerns about the safety of local roads such as the Potato Pit Lane and No Man's Lane both of which have long stretches of highway that is only wide enough for one vehicle. These roads are not equipped to handle the additional load, especially that brought from HGVs, which could lead to heightened safety concerns, road damage, and inconvenience for local residents.

4. Noise and Light Pollution Concerns

While solar farms are often seen as quiet developments, in practice the inverter and transformer equipment can generate a persistent low-level hum, particularly noticeable during warmer weather and at night when background noise levels are low. This can be disruptive to residents living nearby and harmful to the area's rural tranquillity, which is one of Dale Abbey's defining features. The proposed use of CCTV lighting and other security measurescould introduce unwanted light pollution, disrupting the dark-sky character of the surrounding countryside and affecting both residents and nocturnal species.

5. Archaeological and Historical Significance

The proposed site lies within an area of high archaeological and historical importance, close to known features linked to the Dale Abbey ruins and other iron age, medieval and early agricultural activity. This landscape has remained largely undisturbed for centuries and may contain undocumented archaeological remains of regional significance. Large-scale groundworks, cable trenches, and access tracks risk permanent damage or loss of these heritage assets before their value is properly understood. Any development of this kind should be preceded by a comprehensive archaeological assessment and field survey, including geophysical studies and, if necessary, trial trenching under the supervision of the County Archaeologist. Until such investigations confirm that no significant remains would be harmed, the proposal should not proceed.

6. Alternative Sites

Given the number of alternative locations available for renewable energy projects, the Parish Council believes that other sites should be considered that would minimize the negative impacts on local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We therefore urge the planning committee to explore options that are more suitable, less disruptive, and better aligned with both environmental and community priorities.

Once again, whilst we appreciate the importance of transitioning to renewable energy, it is our strong belief that the proposed site is not the right location for such a development. The potential environmental, visual, and infrastructural impacts cannot be overlooked, and I urge the planning committee to reject the current application.

Thank you for considering our objections. We trust that you will take all relevant concerns into account when making your decision.