Proposed Cornwall Solar Farm Sparks Land Loss Fears Among Farmers

Farmers in Cornwall have voiced concerns that a planned solar farm, if given approval, would occupy prime agricultural land. Local residents are apprehensive that the 210-acre solar park, slated for the Carland Cross area, could significantly affect food production and local enterprises. Additionally, worries exist that the solar farm, which is designed to feature 125,000 solar panels, might worsen flooding in a region already prone to field run-off during heavy rainfall. The company behind the initiative stated that the solar farm would enhance the rural landscape through the incorporation of buffers like hedgerows. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the application is scheduled to be presented at an extraordinary session of Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee on 21 November by councillor Karen Glasson. This is due to apprehensions regarding the utilization of best and most versatile land, its visual impact, and its consequences for local businesses and residents. Charlie Gould, a farmer residing at the core of the proposed site, expressed numerous objections to the solar park, identifying the loss of agricultural land as his primary concern. He stated, “If we don’t address it, we’re going to have a serious problem not too far down the line.” Gould added, “We’re shouting about it and people should listen to farmers.” He further elaborated on the pressures faced by farmers: “We’re being encouraged to move away from petro-chemicals on the land, and rightly so, but by doing that and moving towards regenerative farming you’re going to need more land to produce less food. So we’re getting squeezed on all sides.” Earlier this year, over 100 individuals, including farmers, gathered at St Erme Community Centre to articulate their anxieties about the proposal. Following the public gathering, Ameet Juttla, representing Downing Renewable Developments, commented, “It’s not a glass and concrete prison.” He affirmed, “We’ve taken the wildlife into consideration and undertaken all our ecological assessments, and any form of nesting and birds that are there will remain.” Matthew Bellward, a colleague, further remarked, “We’ve done more than others would do, in terms of adding buffers to areas that may be of more concern to local residents. In addition to that, we’ve increased screening in those areas too by adding hedgerows.” For updates, follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.