Ex-rugby player opposes plans for new solar farm

A former professional rugby player said he feared plans to build a solar farm on a floodplain could compromise the safety of nearby properties.

Martin Bayfield, 58, who played for Northampton Saints and has lived in Church Brampton, Northamptonshire, for 14 years, was critical of a potential development, in Kingsthorpe, Northampton.

The site, located on land off Welford Road, would include a five megawatt solar farm, an electric vehicle charging facility, a retail unit and two drive-thru restaurants.

The developer, Pegasus Group, has been approached for comment by the BBC.

In its planning application to West Northamptonshire Council, Pegasus said the solar farm would reduce carbon emissions, combat climate change and increase energy security.

Mr Bayfield said: "This isn't a case of Nimbyism [Not in My Back Yard]. It won't affect where we live. This is a case of yes, you can build it, but should you? No. This is an area where safety will be compromised."

Residents were told of the plans in September via leaflets posted through their doors and the Pegasus Group held a public meeting.

Mr Bayfield added: "Nature has done an incredibly effective job of establishing a floodplain. We're putting a lot of faith in builders who are working to a budget.

"Who is going to put their hands up in 10-15 years and say 'we got it wrong' as water courses through people's homes.

"[The floodplain] should be left alone."

Sam Rumens, a councillor for Kingsthorpe North on West Northamptonshire Council, said: "I have never in my years as a councillor had anything like this that's had such a tidal wave of response.

"Unless there is a fundamental reworking of the water system in Northampton, it seems physically impossible to stick anything at all on this site. It seems absolute madness and I can't find any justification as to why it would go ahead."

The deadline for public comments on the planning application is 6 February, with a final decision expected from West Northamptonshire Council in April.

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