Whether for, against or ambivalent, this article – with its supporting video – is worth looking at.
In particular, between the 5:15 and 5:45 points in the video, Stuart reiterates the opinion held by many residents who support the concept of solar power, but oppose the proposed sites.
That opinion being, that solar panels should be placed on the roofs of warehouses*, industrial units, storage facilities, shopping malls, covered car parks and the like. And not, as is currently proposed, on greenfield and viable agricultural land.
* According to 2022 data from the Office of National Statistics, there are 3,200 transport and storage premises in West Northamptonshire, with a further 2,700 in North Northamptonshire. So, 5,900 flat roofs. Each of at least 300,000 square feet (source: Savills). 300,000 square feet = almost 7 acres. So, 7 x 5,900 = 41,300 acres.
With this sort of acreage already available, should anyone really be talking about using greenfield and viable agricultural land for solar-energy generation?
