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Byers Gill Solar Farm
04 March 2024
Lead MP
Matt Vickers
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
ClimateEnergy
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Matt Vickers raised concerns about byers gill solar farm in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP for Stockton West raised concerns about the proposed Byers Gill solar farm, which would cover over 2,500 acres of land between Stockton and Darlington. He highlighted that this development would affect local wildlife and biodiversity, including red-listed species like grey partridge, and potentially disrupt food security by impacting agricultural land. The MP emphasised the need for a balance between energy security and food security, expressing support for renewable energy but stressing the importance of preserving prime agricultural land. He called on the Planning Inspectorate to conduct an independent grading of the land to ensure fair consideration and protection for future generations.
Paul Howell
Con
Sedgefield
The MP for Sedgefield echoed his colleague's concerns, emphasising the importance of genuine community consultation and robust assessment of land quality to ensure that good farming land is not lost to solar farms. He also highlighted the economic pressures on farmers and the need for integrity in land grading assessments.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised about the Byers Gill solar farm proposal but could not comment on specifics due to its status as a nationally significant infrastructure project. She outlined how the planning system operates for such projects, including extensive community engagement requirements and environmental impact assessments. The Minister emphasised the importance of considering cumulative impacts and ensuring that poorer quality land is prioritised over higher quality agricultural land when necessary. She also noted the Government's commitment to net zero emissions and the role of renewables like solar in achieving this goal while maintaining energy security.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.