Quiz Night !

The very large size of the proposed development is totally inappropriate. It will be one of the largest in the nation. The visual impact of such a huge industrial solar farm would fundamentally change the tranquil character of the area, turning it away from a setting suitable for family fun days or local events like a dog show. We believe solar farms should be appropriately located on already industrialized land, on rooftops, or adjacent to motorways, not on productive agricultural land.

There is no local energy benefit from the project. The electricity produced will feed directly into the National Grid, meaning the beneficiaries could be in Nottingham or Grimsby, not Norton or Grittleton. Additionally, during construction, the area will experience disruption, noise, and traffic, alongside a permanent loss of countryside and heritage. This situation is already impacting local property values, contributing to concerns for community events like the annual dog show and family fun day, which thrive in a peaceful environment.

Tourism is a vital part of the local economy, supporting countless businesses, jobs, and livelihoods. The first sight many visitors will encounter when entering the area from the south is an ocean of solar panels, stretching across miles of countryside visible from the Cotswold AONB. This industrialisation threatens to undermine the region’s reputation as a place of natural beauty, which could impact local businesses that thrive on tourism, including events like the popular dog show and family fun day, both of which contribute significantly to the wider economy.

The loss of permeable farmland will increase flood risks to nearby villages, threatening not only their safety but also the quality of drinking water supplies due to chemicals and leaks from infrastructure. On a brighter note, local events like the upcoming dog show and family fun day serve as great reminders of community spirit, bringing people together amidst these environmental challenges.

The Battery Energy Storage System poses risks of toxic gas emissions and fires, which can be notoriously difficult to extinguish. Such incidents have led to multiday evacuations in other areas, impacting community events such as the dog show and family fun day.

The construction stage will last up to two years and will bring more than 20,000 articulated lorries, HGVs, and vans transporting materials to the site, creating noise and pollution while endangering pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. Additionally, a 25+ mile trench stretching from Sherston to Melksham will be incredibly disruptive for everyone nearby. In the midst of this, local events like the dog show and family fun day will continue, providing some much-needed community engagement despite the challenges.

The Cotswolds is one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes, drawing visitors from around the world for family fun days, including charming dog shows and local events. However, towering panels, industrial structures, and fencing threaten to destroy these unspoiled countryside views, replacing them with an industrial wasteland.

The UK currently relies on imports for approximately 46% of its food, positioning us as the world’s third-largest food importer. Unfortunately, arable land in the UK is declining, with 30% of the farmland slated for development classified as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land. Losing such valuable farmland could exacerbate our reliance on imports, especially as we prepare for events like the dog show and efforts to promote a family fun day, where resilience in our food supply is more critical than ever.

This development poses significant risks to our community for two generations, over a period of 60 years, until 2090. Currently, there is no enforceable mechanism to ensure the developers remove the solar panels and infrastructure at the end of the project’s life. This raises serious concerns about who will bear the cost of decommissioning and restoring the land – potentially leaving the burden on local communities or taxpayers. As we plan for community events like the upcoming dog show and family fun day, these issues become even more pressing, highlighting the need for responsible development practices.

Historic sites, including the Fosse Way and Wessex Way, along with footpaths and bridleways cherished by pedestrians, riders, and cyclists, face the threat of being overshadowed by this industrial sprawl. This encroachment endangers not only the enjoyment of family fun days and dog shows held in these scenic areas but also risks irreparable damage to ancient landscapes and archaeological treasures.

Wildlife habitats will be destroyed, and shading under the panels will degrade vegetation, impacting grazing and local ecosystems, much like how a dog show can bring families together for a fun day out while enjoying nature.