Last chance to give views on solar farm

THE public has two more days to register their views on the solar farm proposed for land on the border of Rutland and Lincolnshire.

If approved, the Mallard Pass development between Essendine and Stamford would be the first farm of its kind in the UK.

The site would occupy about 463 hectares, the equivalent of 865 football pitches, and the applicants say the scheme could provide energy for up to 92,000 homes over the next 30 to 40 years.

However, opponents say they are worried about the impact on farming, wildlife habitats, noise and views. Richard Coleman quit his role as a Rutland county councillor last year when the plan was revealed.

The project has also received criticism from current councillors in Rutland County Council, including Coun Rick Wilson, the Green Party representative for the Ryhall and Casterton ward following Mr Coleman’s resignation. Melton and Rutland MP Alicia Kearns is also opposing the plans.

She previously told BBC East

Midlands Today: “Mallard Pass is something that people are raising door after door after door.

“These things are going to be 11ft high - that is way above any hedgerow. Our whole government’s premise is about giving communities more say over what happens in our own back yards - and this isn’t that.”

Writing on her website, Ms Kearns added: “We all want to play our part in achieving Net Zero – but this scheme would be a disaster for our environment, biodiversity, and our very way of life.”

This is the second round of consultations on the site, with opposition expressed during stage one resulting in the area of land occupied by solar panels being reduced from 570 hectares to 463. However, in total, the site would be made up of 906 hectares - the equivalent of just under 1,700 football pitches. Stage two of the consultation runs until tomorrow. Members of the public can respond to the plans via the Mallard Pass website or emailing them to: