Resident concerned after receiving email from South Kesteven District Councillor about Mallard Pass Solar Farm's effect on house prices

A resident who lives on the edge of a proposed solar farm has shared his dismay about a councillor’s attitude to property prices.

Keith Busfield, who lives in the Braceborough area near the proposed Mallard Pass Solar Farm, received an email from a member of South Kesteven District Council which said: “Even if property prices do fall, it’s not the end of world”.

Mr Busfield was unwilling to point the finger at which councillor had written this, but told a meeting of the full council on Thursday last week he didn’t feel it was an appropriate statement from an elected member.

He added that the email had said there were “plenty of people who would be pleased to be able to able to afford to buy a house” in villages that could be affected if the solar farm is built.

But Mr Busfield was also ‘comforted’ by what he described as “the spontaneous, almost unanimous support from the whole of the council, which speaks volumes”.

He and his partner Sue Holloway are concerned about the effect the solar farm might have on the value of their property and other people’s in the area.

“I think the impact will be larger than people anticipate because it’s going to create a different market,” he said.

“Certainly houses will fall in value because of the change in regards to outlook, amenity and wildlife, and things like flood risk and the four to five years of total uncertainty.

“Is it a good or is it a bad thing? All change will result in something, there will always be a knock on effect.”