For generations, my family and countless others have ambled across the verdant landscapes of Cleadon Hills, soaking in the iconic vistas and observing the diverse wildlife. This precious Green Belt land forms an integral part of South Tyneside's heritage that we now risk losing to a proposed solar farm.

The solar panels, planned to be erected on the fertile farmland, threaten to obliterate our cherished views of the countryside and disrupt established wildlife corridors. Whilst  climate change and  renewable energy initiatives need our support, planning policy is clear that brownfield land and low-quality agricultural land should be used first, and there is no robust and compelling evidence to use the agricultural fields in the proposal, which contain Best and Most Versatile Agricultural land. This is in effect an commercial industrial energy complex in the green belt ,on good agricultural land to earn SAFC money and will further erode the green gap between Sunderland and South Tyneside conurbations. A 2.4m high security fence will be installed eliminating open views and the amenity value of the open spaces will be lost At a time when people are move actively seeking open spaces for their mental health and physical health this development helps neither.

Currently the AoL (and SAFC) have made no efforts to put  solar panels on its roof or build  a roof over the AoL  car park on which solar panels could be placed. Far from merely aesthetic consequences, this move also paves the way for a worryingly inefficient use of our land.

The  National Farmers' Union, states farmland lost to such developments reduces food security, an issue of serious concern amidst rising global food demand.There will be an adverse impact on the value and integrity on the established wildlife corridor. The detrimental effect on the strategic green belt between South Tyneside and Sunderland leading to merging of Sunderland and Cleadon removes the purpose of the green belt.Mitigation proposed of hedge planting may increase biodiversity(more hedges) but will have a negative impact on the openness of the Green Belt.  Currently there are Avocets , category 1 protected birds nesting on the west field of the Solar so it is  essential we prevent destruction of their wetland habitat. 

There are multiple reasons for South Tyneside to reject the AoL application , including

◦ Adverse impact on the value and integrity of the wildlife corridor .The proposed development would weaken and have a detrimental impact on the green infrastructure corridor and established wildlife corridor for birds to Boldon Flats. The site is overlooked by Cleadon Hills and Iconic  views both near and from afar will be significantly impacted by the proposal to the detriment of the population,.

◦ Detrimental impact on the strategic Green Belt gap between South Tyneside and Sunderland, with the western field being very close to Sunderland boundary

.Solar energy is crucial in our fight against climate change, but it should not come at the cost of our cultural heritage and food stability. Meeting our energy goals should not be used to justify the wrong development in the wrong location and this includes the use of high-quality land. Protecting the global environment is not an excuse to trash the local environment . Appeal to the South Tyneside Council to reconsider the location of the proposed solar farm and to exert every effort to preserve our Green Belt lands.  This is not just  today' fight , but  a fight for the future generations yet to marvel at the beauty of Cleadon Hills.
Write an objection to this commercial plan .see www.southtyneside.gov.uk/planning explorer refST/0357/24/FUL

Email: planningapplications@southtyneside.gov.uk. 
Please, let us stand united in protecting this piece of our heritage. Sign this petition and join the voice to safeguard South Tyneside's Green Belt.

Contact Nigel.Bundred@manchester.ac.uk