25 June, 2012
Residents of Launceston, Cornwall have aired their
views about plans to build the country's biggest solar-powered farm
in the town.
Paul Daniel, who owns Lower Wheatley Farm, has been in
discussions with Kronos Solar about transforming his property into
a 25-megawatt solar farm.
The farmer has convinced local residents that he would do
everything in his power to reduce the visual pollution in the area
should the proposals come to fruition. He has also been
speaking publicly about the benefits of solar-powered farms for
some time.
However, not everyone seems to be convinced.
Brian Maltby, who lives close to the farm, told
thisiscornwall.co.uk: "We bought this place because of the lovely
surroundings. This will make it looks like something from
Mars."
The proposals would make Lower Wheatley Farm five times bigger
than any other solar farm in the UK. According to bbc.co.uk, there
are already 12 solar farms across Cornwall and there is permission
for another 24 to be built.
Martin Chapman, who runs a holiday bungalow business in the
county, is another resident who is rather unhappy about the
proposals.
"If this one gets the go-ahead then there will be five or six
other farmers doing the same thing. It will ruin a picturesque
valley in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty," he said.
Source: Vertical Leap
