https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/25852864.granddad-fears-views-ruined-proposed-solar-farm/
A Wirral granddad who grew up with a ‘very special’ view towards Wales fears it could be ruined if an ‘ugly’ solar farm moves in nearby.
Kevin Graham, 72, grew up in Thurstaston and Pensby and lived for 18 years on Dawpool Farm on Station Road between 2001 and 2019.
His son currently lives at the farm which overlooks the fields running down to the Dee estuary and the Welsh hills in the distance.
However Chint Solar, part of wider Chinese electronic manufacturer Chint Group Ltd, is in the early stages of developing plans to build a solar farm close to Rose Cottage off Station Road, Thurstaston. The new farm on green belt land down the hill from Dawpool would cover a total of 27 hectares.
The solar farm plans have sparked backlash with thousands signing a petition and councillors slamming the idea. Wirral Council has also issued a set of demands that will need to be included alongside any future planning application.
Kevin said: “It’s destroying the environment and it will be an eyesore”, adding: “You grow things on farms. It’s a solar installation. It’s going to spoil the view and there’s wildlife in that field.
“It’s a special part of the Wirral. It looks right down to the beach. It’s a very special part. It would be like a big industrial installation. It will be ugly.”
Chint Solar are currently asking for people’s feedback before February 19 with an event recently held in Irby.
There were questions raised about the company’s ownership structure and any links to China, why this site was chosen, the impact on the grid network in a non-industrial area, and impact on nature. Many said while they supported solar, they felt rooftops and already-developed areas would be better locations.
Margaret Jones said: “It doesn’t make any sense why they are doing it on the greenbelt. Maybe because they think the Wirral is such a small place, they wouldn’t think there’s many people to oppose it.
“I was horrified […] we have got lots of countryside in such a small space. To take it away with something of that size is just obscene.”
Her husband Ian added: “I think it’s criminal. I realise there’s got to be more self-sufficient energy created, but it’s just the wrong location.”
The plans are also facing opposition from the Wirral Green Space Alliance, a not-for-profit non-political alliance set up to protect Wirral’s green belt. Melanie Walker said: “Once that beautiful landscape is gone, it’s gone.
“We are talking about future generations that will be affected. There’s other places better suited to a solar farm.”
She added: “Feelings are running very high understandably. Nobody wants a solar farm and this kind of place is absolutely the wrong place. We can’t underline and stress that enough.”
Charles Barnes said: “It seems to be such a massive area in one place. The Wirral peninsula as a whole is comparatively a small area with quite a reasonable population. Our green spaces are dwindling. We have to save them where we can.”
The proposed scheme is expected to generate 26 megawatts of energy which is enough to power around 7,000 homes every year. This would be the equivalent of around 4.5% of Wirral’s homes being powered by solar energy.
However even those in the renewable energy industry are questioning whether the farm is needed. One firm Eco Renewable Energy argue the farm could generate between £30m and £50m in profit but delivering the same power on rooftops of homes, schools, public buildings and businesses could deliver £180m in savings and export income for the Wirral over 30 years.
Owner Martyn Hammond-Langley said: “This is an apples-for-apples comparison. We’re talking about the same 26 megawatts of solar producing the same clean energy and the same carbon savings.
“The real difference is where the value goes – either into local residents’ and businesses’ pockets, or into private profit at the expense of protected green belt land. Rooftop solar should always be the first place we look.
“It cuts bills directly, protects people from future energy price rises, and creates long-term local jobs.”
Eco Renewable Energy is asking people to pledge they would like to install solar panels on their roofs, as opposed to a solar farm. This is via an online petition.
In response to the criticism, a Chint Solar spokesperson said: “Earlier this week, Chint Solar held a public exhibition event, giving members of the local community and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on our early plans for a solar farm at Rose Cottage. We are grateful to everyone who attended and took the time to share their views.
“Our plans are still at a very early stage, so all feedback is valuable and will help to shape our emerging proposals. Over 100 people attended the event, raising questions and sharing their thoughts.
“This has provided valuable insight into local perspectives and priorities, giving us lots to take away and reflect on.
“The consultation remains open, and we encourage all to share their thoughts before 19th February. All feedback received is welcomed and will be used to help refine our plans ahead of submission to Wirral Council later this year.
“More information on the proposals, alongside the feedback form can be found via our website: https://rosecottagesolar.co.uk/.”
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