Solar Farm Supporters Explain Why

Published on: 13 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 14 Nov, 2024

Solar Panels Photo Beletric UK

Two organisations that supported the University of Surrey’s solar farm proposal have written in to say why.

See: University Will Get Its Solar Farm Despite Widespread Objections

Olivia Carpenter-Lomax, chair of Zero Carbon Guildford, said: “Considering the ongoing urgency of the climate challenge, seen most recently in the devastating floods in Valencia in Spain, Zero Carbon Guildford continues to be supportive of the solar farm as a crucial element of the university’s decarbonisation plans.

“In Guildford, public support for solar power stands at 92 per cent, and we agree that solar energy is necessary to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, increase energy security and reduce energy bills.

“Of course, it’s absolutely crucial, given that Surrey’s biodiversity decline is above the national average, that this doesn’t come at the expense of wildlife and nature. We’re encouraged by the university’s commitments to increase biodiversity on the site and look forward to seeing progress on the University’s comprehensive plan to lower emissions by installing solar on the Sports Park and other brownfield sites as well as building the solar farm.”

The chief executive of Surrey Chambers, Louise Punter.

And Louise Punter, CEO of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, said: “We supported the application on economic and sustainability grounds.

“We were very pleased to see a very thorough report considering all the facts, and a thorough and balanced debate at GBC’s Planning Committee.

“It would be disappointing if a properly approved planning application bringing so many benefits to Guildford were to be unnecessarily delayed [by being called in by the Secretary of State as requested by Compton Parish Council and CPRE].

“We are confident that more renewable generation is in line with local and national policies and hope to see more in Surrey to shore up national energy security and decarbonise energy supply.”

Responses to Solar Farm Supporters Explain Why

Roger Kendall Reply

November 13, 2024 at 5:54 pm

It’s amazing that some people don’t realise why Guildford is successful as a town. One main reason is because it’s in an area of beauty. Destroy the environment, the fine views, the charming buildings and you lose the character, and people won’t shop here or want to own a home here. I can remember when Croydon was a nice town!

How can the chamber of commerce CEO be so blind? The views from the Hog’s Back should be sacrosanct.

Yes solar energy is great, essential and an important part of fighting climate change but please not at the expense of Guildford’s attractiveness. And situated on the north side of the ridge it won’t work well either.
Alan Judge Reply

November 14, 2024 at 2:27 pm

If Surrey University really are concerned about their carbon footprint, then maybe they shouldn’t have so many international students travelling half way round the world to study there.
Jeremy Richards Reply

November 16, 2024 at 10:44 pm

Surrey Uni have failed to put Solar panels on all their buildings and over their car parks so this just means bulldozing farm land. What a mess.