We read Ms Lewis’ letter to the Western Advocate.

It is “bizarre” for you to “have always believed a farmer can do what they like with their land as long as it is legal and they are not growing illegal substances”.

That has never been the case.

It if was, a pine mill would, in the 70s, have been built next door to the solar site.

Residents, including the solar site owner, sensibly opposed the build and it went away.

A few years later, the owner of the solar site this time wanted the factory on his land. Evans Council approved it. It was legal. Residents, again, opposed it, and with the help of our local MP, stopped it.

The factory rightly went to Oberon and good sense and good planning prevailed.

So owners can’t do what they want on their land.

Just as well we now have the Bathurst Regional Development Plan 2014.

It doesn’t take much imagination to realise that 397,000 solar panels surrounded by a 2.4 metre high fence are likely to impact upon land values.

Responsible local real estate agents have documented their views on such losses. We have documents we will be pleased to show you. They will be used when appropriate. Are you therefore “convinced”?

Ms Lewis went on to say: “However, perhaps future solar … should be on public land to end the envy of nearby farmers.” Now that really is bizarre.

The issue here is location and if the Environmental Plan 2014 and the reasons for it are irrelevant to you, then sure, put anything anywhere.

We suggest that reasonable citizens like a reasonably planned environment for the benefit of all.