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Large Solar Farms — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]
09 March 2022
Lead MP
Brendan Clarke-Smith
Responding Minister
George Freeman
Tags
TaxationClimateEnergyBusiness & Trade
Word Count: 13644
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Brendan Clarke-Smith raised concerns about large solar farms — [sir charles walker in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge the Government to ensure that solar farms are only developed on poor-quality farmland or non-agricultural land that does not have high environmental value. I also ask for a review of soil quality assessments before approving such large-scale projects in environmentally sensitive areas.
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
I am concerned about the impact of large solar farms on agricultural land and rural environments. In my constituency, proposals for a 600-acre solar farm by West Burton Solar Project Ltd could damage wildlife-rich landscapes near special conservation villages like Clayworth and Gringley on the Hill. The site is not low-grade agricultural land or a brownfield site as required by planning guidance. It is also near protected areas such as the Idle Valley nature reserve, posing flood risks and potentially undermining local food security amidst global wheat supply issues.
Alan Whitehead
Lab
Southampton Test
Alan Whitehead stressed the necessity of solar farms for meeting renewable energy targets, citing the success of solar installations in the UK and the need to install them on a large scale. He acknowledged concerns about siting but argued that community consultation is crucial and that a strategic approach should be taken to ensure proper placement. He also mentioned that the environmental benefits of solar outweigh any negatives and that public support is essential.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Ms. Kearns expressed concerns about the imposition of a large solar farm in Rutland, which she described as an 'egregious, cynical and unacceptable proposal.' She highlighted that the proposed 2,175-acre project is eight times larger than the current largest solar plant in the country and questioned the fairness of the NSI projects. Ms. Kearns also raised concerns about Uyghur blood labour, stating that Canadian Solar, a company with significant ties to China's GCL-Poly which has been linked to forced labor in Xinjiang, is seeking to build in Rutland. Alicia Kearns intervened, raising concerns about the ethical sourcing of solar panels produced in China's genocidal camps targeting Uyghurs.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Concerned about the proposal of a large solar farm in his constituency that would cover an area equivalent to 4,000 football pitches. Feels that bypassing local planning processes is unfair and desires for local people's views to be heard and enforced. Stressed the importance of preserving agricultural land given rising wheat prices and potential food supply constraints globally.
Gareth Davies
Con
Grantham and Bourne
The MP thanked his colleague for raising the debate, highlighting the need to balance renewable energy development with preserving local ecology and agriculture. He expressed concern over the Mallard Pass solar farm project, which covers 2,170 acres of land in Lincolnshire, noting that developer responses to local concerns have been unconvincing. Davies suggested that the Planning Inspectorate needs to fully consider residents' concerns and called for a national strategy to address both nationally significant and locally approved solar farms.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
He opposed plans for large solar farms in his constituency, arguing they would dominate rural villages, alter their character, and have a considerable impact on the environment and wildlife. He cited specific examples of objections to proposed solar farm developments in Little Horwood, Kingsey, Callie's Farm, Ford and Dinton, Leckhampstead, and Slapton.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Solar farms are not efficient land use and pose environmental risks. He cited the Sunnica project as an example, highlighting that it would occupy 11 sq km of arable land for less than one seventh of its rated power output. He also raised concerns about human rights abuses in the solar supply chain from China.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon highlighted the potential of solar energy in advancing a low-carbon future, noting the impact of the Russian invasion on fuel provisions. He mentioned local examples such as Carrowdore farm and Belfast International airport to illustrate the benefits of solar power. Shannon expressed concerns about risk assessments for solar farms and the use of agricultural land, emphasising the importance of sustainable energy planning.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Argues that energy production should be closer to its consumption point to minimise transmission costs, suggesting solar farms on agricultural land are not ideal. Also emphasises the importance of beauty in planning processes. He argued that renewable energy should be placed as close to demand areas as possible, such as on commercial and domestic buildings rather than in fields. He emphasized the importance of protecting grade 1 and 2 agricultural land from large-scale solar parks and called for a Conservative Government to preserve the aesthetic character of rural settlements. Discussed the environmental cost of renewables, including wind turbines and solar panels, suggesting that their impact should be measured against specific criteria.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Kevin Hollinrake questioned whether local authorities declaring a climate emergency should override the need to avoid developing solar farms on best and most versatile land.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Congratulates the hon. Gentleman for securing the debate, highlighting that many large solar farms are being built without an environmental impact assessment due to the planning framework's current structure.
Matthew Hancock
Con
West Suffolk
The hon. Member drew attention to the Sunnica scheme in his constituency, noting that it includes a battery farm rather than solely a solar farm. I support solar energy but oppose the proposal for a 2,500-acre solar farm affecting 16 parishes in east Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk due to lack of independent carbon assessment, battery safety issues, and minimal public engagement. There have been 38 fires at battery energy storage systems globally since 2019. Suggested that public engagement is critical for the development of solar farms, especially given the size disparity between battery farms and solar power capacity in certain proposals. Matthew Hancock intervened to ask the Minister for transparency regarding past fires at solar installations and highlighted the support from the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for the Sunnica plant issues.
The MP emphasized the importance of food security, expressing concern about large solar farms taking over agricultural land needed for food production. He proposed revisiting feed-in tariffs for homeowners to encourage more individual installations of solar panels on houses and industrial buildings rather than on farmland. Parish stressed that communities should be involved in decisions regarding new solar farm proposals.
Robert Largan
Con
High Peak
I support renewable energy but am concerned about the proposed 77-acre solar farm off Dolly Lane near Buxworth and Furness Vale. The site is within the green belt adjacent to the Peak District national park, changing the iconic landscape for miles around and affecting local wildlife.
Roger Gale
Con
North Thanet
He welcomed the move to utilise brownfield sites instead of green fields for renewable energy development. He also mentioned scepticism about soil quality assessments and the need for local food production.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Acknowledged the importance of solar panels in Scotland's energy mix, noting that while they do not require direct sunlight, other renewable sources such as tidal and wind are crucial. Highlighted that Aberdeen had met 136% of household electricity demand from solar during a summer heatwave. Emphasised the need for community engagement and appropriate location selection for solar farms, such as on former tips.
Discusses Ynys Môn's role as an energy island and asks about the local job creation potential from solar energy projects.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Solar farms are crucial for achieving net zero and reducing reliance on oil and gas. The cost of solar panels has dropped by 60% since 2010, making it an affordable energy source in the UK. Solar provided almost 5% of the UK's total electricity supply in 2021 and could meet 15% of power needs with further investment. Studies indicate that solar farms can boost biodiversity and land quality. Community support for solar projects grows over time as people see their benefits. However, grid capacity constraints are a significant issue blocking potential investments. Asked Stephen Flynn about improving community engagement in renewable energy installations.
Government Response
George Freeman
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Sir Charles Walker. The minister congratulates Brendan Clarke-Smith on his advocacy for addressing the concerns raised about large solar farms and their impact on rural areas, highlighting the importance of achieving net zero targets while considering local impacts. The Government's policy aims to decarbonise the electricity supply by deploying large-scale solar energy as one of the cheapest renewable technologies. However, concerns have been raised about the scale of developments, land use, human rights in the supply chain, and the need for a clearer national planning policy statement.
The minister acknowledges that local views are important but notes that decisions on projects over 50 MW in England are made by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The Government is reviewing the nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) regime to make it faster, better, and greener, with plans to publish a revised national policy statement for renewables soon.
The minister emphasises that large solar developers must complete an environmental statement and justify using any greenfield land. Once submitted to the planning inspector, applications take 15 to 18 months before returning to the Secretary of State after consultations. The minister promises to pass on all points raised during the debate to relevant Ministers.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.