Villagers need solar incentives
THE problem with plans for a huge 'solar farm' at Ash Thomas, is that residents get no benefit.
Solar Power Generation Ltd wants to put up 42,000 panels mounted on staging at Great Curham Farm, Ash Thomas, near Tiverton, presumably hoping to make a good profit from them.
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Many residents are furious, arguing that the development will cover more than 47 acres and will be an eyesore.
This column has been much in favour of wind turbines and small-scale solar farms, but even I have my doubts about such large-scale development, especially if there is nothing in it for people living nearby.
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Imagine if they were offered free electricity, or an annual payment, or a new village hall or other community facility. This would surely make the scheme more palatable.
I don't have a problem with farmland being used for the generation of renewable energy. I don't buy the 'industrialisation of the countryside' argument, as much farming has become rather industrialised, and I don't really see the aesthetic difference between giant ugly new barns and solar panels.
But other people do, so should be compensated.
Comments
by nick113
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 10:33AM
“If the owner turned the land into a pig farm would the locals expect to be given free bacon? The fact is that a solar farm is relative unintrusive. There is no noise, no smell, no traffic, and the land could be returned to its current use if time changed in 10 or 20 years. Why should the neighbours be compensated for that?”