I was surprised by the misinformed letters from Nigel Wickenden and Jordan Swallow (Voice, October 2).
On biofuels, no one seriously advocates their land use – they contribute to CO₂ emissions, not reduce them.
Solar land take is unnecessary. In Lincolnshire alone, 77 solar plant proposals (some approved) would consume over 38,000 acres – land that could yield 1m tons of potatoes. Fourteen NSIP solar applications, each over 2,000 acres, are likely to be approved by Ed Miliband, bypassing local councils who’ve fought to protect farmland.
Most sites are Grade 1-3a farmland, which the Government pledged to safeguard.
Lincolnshire produces over 20 per cent of the UK’s food crops, and local industry depends on it. The impact on jobs and businesses would be devastating. Claims of sheep grazing on solar parks are developer myths.
There’s a better way: rooftop solar. Which John Hayes fully supports. Yet new housing still lack mandatory solar panels.
A CPRE study shows over 60 per cent of the 70GW solar target could be met via rooftops.
We already import 46 per cent of our food – hardly eco-friendly. Solar and wind receive huge subsidies via CfD contracts, with payouts up to four times the standard electricity rate.
Last year, £1b was spent compensating wind farms to shut down.
Just last month, £5m went to imported power due to shortages.
Solar works best at point of use – on homes and businesses. Solar parks operate at just 11 per cent capacity, wasting prime farmland for minimal return.
The UK contributes less than one per cent of global emissions; China emitted more in the past five years than the UK has in its entire history.
John Hayes is standing with Lincolnshire communities to defend farmland and local livelihoods.
Bryan Smith
Holbeach St Marks
