This petition is organised by West Moor Residents Association, a registered charity.

We, the undersigned, are not against renewable energy. However, as stated in the principles underpinning the National Framework (NPPF) and to quote the former Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, “meeting our energy goals should not be used to justify the wrong development in the wrong location.”

We oppose the development outlined in planning application ….. inter alia for the following reasons:-

1.     The proposed development stands contrary to the Local Plan. Solar farm development should not be approved where it is contrary to Local Plan policies.  It is also fundamentally in conflict with the NPPF, in a number of ways, including the fact that no alternative sites have been put forward or evaluated. Developers often favour the cheapest option and in this case have failed to consider any feasible alternative.

2.     The proposed site will have a substantial effect on wildlife and protected species. Redactions in the applicant’s ecology report only serve to stress the presence of, and danger to, protected species. Such danger could be avoided by siting the solar farm in a different location, using for example existing brownfield sites or existing transmission corridors. On this basis alone the application should be rejected. (Reference para 174 and 180 NPPF.)

3.     Continuous rows of glass panels on what is established green land will completely alter the local landscape and visual amenity. It will alter the whole character of a residential village.  The amenity of neighbouring property will be significantly harmed by a secured boundary fence, lighting and intrusive CCTV cameras only meters from residential homes. It will also lead to “industrial sprawl”, removing the only green area between the village and established industry.

4.     Cumulative effect. The applicant has already indicated the need for a substation. Harm will thus be intensified. There has not been any evaluation of the cumulative effect and the needs of the technology. Inverters will be present, which require the use of noisy fans to provide cooling. They can also overheat. There has been no noise or fire risk survey. There has been no assessment of the danger to health and the location is dramatically outside the WHO’s recommended guidance.

5.     Solar farms may be classified as renewable, but they are not zero carbon. The embedded carbon footprint is stated to be 50gms of CO2 per kwh – a long way from net zero. It takes 200 acres to generate the same power as one North Sea wind turbine. Solar farms have no connection to the national grid. In North Tyneside we are located on the North Sea coast where much better and more efficient renewable energy could and is being developed. The Government has confirmed that offshore winds will produce more than enough electricity to power every home in the country by 2030.

To conclude, this development would neither “protect” nor “enhance” our natural built and historic landscape, nor is it an effective use of land. Planning permission should be refused.