House of Commons · Westminster Hall
08 June 2022 · 12 other contributors · 9,504 words
Opened by James Gray Con North Wiltshire
Responding minister: Eddie Hughes
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
James Gray raised concerns about solar farms and battery storage in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Gray requests clarity from the Government to allow local authorities to object more broadly to solar farm applications, prohibit the use of grade 3 agricultural land for solar farms, restrict battery storage solutions that take land out of food production, encourage smaller installations on buildings instead of greenfield sites, and shorten the distance limit between grid connection and solar farms.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
James Gray is concerned about the impact of solar farms on agricultural land in Wiltshire. He cites an example of a solar farm with 166,000 panels approved despite local opposition and mentions that Wiltshire Council faces substantial barristers' costs if it turns down applications without clear justification under planning law. He also expresses worries about the fire risks associated with battery storage units and their impact on food security in post-Ukraine scenarios.
Suggested that there should be rigorous rules around planning permission for solar panels, advocating the use of commercial units first instead of agricultural land. Mr Mangnall highlighted the importance of engaging with local communities regarding new planning policies, advocating for a national food production target to address current crises. He called for reviewing any use of productive agricultural land for solar panels and suggested considering the Local Electricity Bill to find local sources of power. Additionally, he emphasised utilising brownfield sites identified by CPRE's report covering 26,000 hectares across 21,000 sites. I associate myself with the remarks made by my hon. Friend the Member for North Wiltshire and call on the Minister to ensure that a consultation on solar farms is completed before the NPPF publication in July.
Agreed with the importance of local communities being at the heart of decision-making regarding solar farms and ensuring proper consultation to prevent loss of desirable elements.
The MP intervened to encourage residents potentially impacted by a development called Mallard Pass to contribute to the consultation process, stressing the importance of their voices being heard.
Discussed a farmer who diversified by putting in an acceptable solar farm after local consultation, raising questions about whether green energy demands will take precedence over food production in the future.
Congratulated his hon. Friend on bringing forward an important debate and suggested setting a balancing target for food security at 75%, arguing against planning consent given to sites like the one near Old Malton.
Agreed with the environmental credentials of his hon. Friend and supported the need to diversify energy sources while ensuring that planning does not override agricultural land, nature reserves or sites of special scientific interest.
Asked if there is a need to prioritise brownfield land, both in urban and rural areas, for solar farm development. The MP highlighted the positive work of Reading Borough Council in placing solar panels on council houses, schools and public buildings. He also mentioned a large solar farm in Berkshire located next to the M4 motorway that was built on a former landfill site, indicating that such locations with existing infrastructure could be prioritised for solar farms. The MP emphasised the importance of considering low-flow hydroelectric power as an alternative energy source.
The MP expressed concerns about the impact of solar farms on fertile agricultural land, arguing that farmers feel compelled to sell their land due to insecure financial support. He acknowledged the need for renewable energy but stressed the importance of strategic planning and incentivising development on brownfield sites.
Noted concerns about applications for solar farms on substantial areas of productive farmland in Hertfordshire and suggested balancing the use of agricultural land with sustainable energy.
Sir Roger Gale supports James Gray's points about battery storage solutions and highlights the need for local consent in renewable projects.
I am concerned about the proposed battery energy storage system on green-belt land in Walsall South, which would impact grade 1 and grade 2 agricultural land. The application was submitted close to Christmas, making it difficult for local residents to be consulted. I urge the government to commit to protecting green-belt land as stated in various planning documents.
I addressed the proposal of a 1,200-acre solar farm on Anglesey and its impact on agricultural land. The project would cover an area equivalent to 900 football pitches and generate energy for 133,000 homes but could threaten food security by using fertile lands unsuitable for large-scale solar generation.
Government Response
Eddie HughesIt is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Paisley. The Government committed to securing and fully decarbonising the UK's electricity supply in their net zero strategy and British energy security strategy, aiming for a fivefold increase in solar capacity up to 70 GW by 2035. They plan to consult on amending planning rules in England to strengthen policy in favour of solar development on non-protected land while ensuring local communities have a real say over applications. The Government are also considering how the planning system can further support their commitment to reaching net zero. For projects over 50 MW in England and over 350 MW in Wales, decisions are made by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy through the nationally significant infrastructure project regime. Developers must undertake considerable community engagement as part of the application process. The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill will increase opportunities for community involvement even further. The Government have a clear preference for brownfield development in many planning areas and intend to maintain the status quo balance between field and roof solar energy production.