ROPSLEY & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
Heidi Wilson – Clerk 17 Airship Road, Cranwell, Lincolnshire, NG34 8RW
: 01400 262702 or 07734 297528. : ropsleypcclerk@hotmail.co.uk
29 July 2014
Dear Mr Moore
Reference: S13/3142 - S14/2094 – TGC Renewables, Crown Hill Farm, Ropsley, Grantham,
NG33 4BH
I am writing to you on behalf of Ropsley & District Parish Council in relation to the screening
opinion for a 78.5 acres solar farm on land at Crown Hill Farm, Ropsley.
On 28 July 2014 the Parish Council held a public meeting to allow parishioners to express their
views in relation to the proposal; there were over 40 parishioners present along with County
Councillor Martin Hill and District Councillor Stephens. The opposition to the proposal was
overwhelming. Material grounds for opposition cited included:
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The unsuitability of the highways infrastructure and the proposed means of access.
The inappropriate siting of the installation due to the nature of the landscape, the
visual impact and appearance.
Noise pollution.
Architectural and historic significance – a 300 year old ring dam which is situated in
the immediate vicinity, other listed buildings in close proximity including the Grade I
listed, St Peter’s Church in Ropsley. The area has strong links to roman settlements
and there have been many archaeological finds in the area.
Ecology, wildlife and conservation - parishioners made mention to a great many bird
and mammal species including a pair of red kite to which this area provides a habitat.
Based on these material factors and the size of the proposed installation alone, which to put
it into context will be bigger than the Ikea Retail Park in Nottingham, the Parish Council must
insist that the applicant conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment, surely it would be
remiss not to do so.
I look forward to receiving your comments.
Yours sincerely
Heidi Wilson
Clerk to Ropsley & District Parish Council