Olympics rider Carl Hester raises concerns over solar farm

Olympic riders Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester fear plans to build a six megawatt solar farm in rural Gloucestershire would hinder horses’ preparation for Team GB selection.

Pathfinder Clean Energy UK Dev Ltd wants permission to install the solar panels on around 34 acres of farmland north of Stream Lane in Upleadon.

But the proposals which could power more than 2,600 homes have proved controversial with dozens of residents and the parish council.

Among those objecting are Olympic dressage gold medallists Carl Hester and Chalotte Dujardin who use the nearby narrow country lanes for riding.

Mr Hester has written to the Forest of Dean District Council to express his concerns about the proposals.

“Stream Lane and Hooks Lane are single country lanes with grass verges. Traffic on these lanes and in particular Stream Lane is very light,” he said,

“There are limited passing places on both of these lanes so any increase in traffic by virtue of construction traffic will have a significant impact and is most likely to create safety issues for cyclists, horse-riders and walkers.

“From a personal point of view both Charlotte Dujardin and I very much benefit from hacking my horses out around these lanes which is vital for their fitness regime and down time in their preparation for GB Olympic team selection.

“Any large construction vehicles using these routes would mean significant risk to both horses and riders and in effect mean that we would not be able to use these roads and be detrimental in their preparation for these events.

“In turn there would be potential damage by vehicles during construction of site to flora and wild flowers including native regional daffodils, native bluebells and ancient perry pear trees, located along/adjacent to verges of Stream Lane.

“There is already a substantial solar farm near Malswick with another proposed and I believe approved on the same road.

“I do not feel it is necessary to use the area in Upleadon which will be unsightly for the landscape, residents and visitors to the village. It will cause much disruption to the wildlife and natural habitat.”

But the developers say the solar panels which would be fixed to the ground via metal piles would generate around 8.2 Gigawatt hours of clean renewable energy each year.

This would be enough to power more than 2,600 homes and offset over 1,900 tonnes of CO2 per year.

They say it would support the UK’s goal of net-zero carbon by 2050 and to contribute to the climate emergency declared by the Government and the district council.

The solar farm would also facilitate the transition to a zero carbon energy system, significantly increase the biodiversity of the site, livestock would still be able to graze, according to the applicant.

District planners are expected to consider the proposals by January 4.

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk