We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Sutton Bonington and the surrounding area, strongly oppose the proposed Uniper solar farm development on agricultural land east of Sutton Bonington, between Hungary Lane, Landcroft Lane, Melton Lane and Trowell Lane.

According to information published by Uniper, the proposed development would introduce approximately 115,200 solar panels, security fencing, battery storage infrastructure and associated development across 72.9 hectares of agricultural land currently in arable use, with an operational lifespan of approximately 40 years.

Whilst we support renewable energy and recognise the importance of cleaner energy generation, we believe this proposal is in the wrong location and at an inappropriate scale.

Our concerns include:

• The loss of productive Grade 2 and 3 agricultural land currently used for farming

• Concerns that more suitable lower-impact locations have not been fully explored before selecting this highly visible agricultural site. Renewable energy developments should prioritise rooftops, industrial buildings, brownfield land and lower-quality agricultural land before productive, prominent open countryside is considered

• The industrialisation of a highly visible elevated rural landscape that can be seen across a wide surrounding area

• The long-term visual and environmental impact of extensive solar arrays, battery infrastructure and security fencing that cannot realistically be screened in such an exposed location

• The significant and irreversible impact on the character, setting and identity of Sutton Bonington and the surrounding countryside

• Concerns regarding the detrimental impact on local wildlife habitats and farmland species including lapwings, as well as hares, roe deer, muntjacs and other wildlife regularly seen around the site

• Concerns regarding the introduction of battery storage infrastructure and the associated fire safety, emergency access and environmental risks within a rural countryside location

• Existing surface water runoff and drainage problems affecting Hungary Lane, Landcroft Lane and nearby properties, with concerns that the development could worsen flooding risks and place further pressure on already constrained rural drainage infrastructure, particularly during extreme weather events

• Increased construction traffic, disruption and safety concerns on the narrow rural lanes of Trowell Lane, Melton Lane, Landcroft Lane and Hungary Lane

• The effect on neighbouring agricultural businesses, including land adjacent to an established organic farm

• Concerns regarding potential glint and glare impacts from a large-scale solar installation located close to aircraft take-off and landing routes, and whether a full Glint and Glare Assessment has been undertaken

We support renewable energy in appropriate locations, including rooftops, industrial buildings, brownfield land and covered car parks, where environmental benefits can be achieved with far less impact on productive farmland and valued landscapes.

This is not opposition to renewable energy. It is opposition to the inappropriate siting of an industrial-scale development in open countryside.

We urge Uniper to reconsider this proposal before any planning application is submitted.