Planning and Solar Farms — [Caroline Nokes in the Chair]

The MP noted that more than 50% of land nationally with proposed solar plants is in Lincolnshire, Leicester and Rutland, highlighting the disproportionate threat these developments pose to her region. She raised concerns about the concentration of solar developments in agricultural heartlands, with over 38,000 acres proposed in Lincolnshire and bordering counties. She cited examples where solar plants were proposed on grade 1 to 2a farmland, which is not recommended by DEFRA guidance. Kearns also criticized developers for submitting plans that claim to produce less than 50 MW to avoid scrutiny but present higher figures internally. Alicia Kearns intervened to discuss Canadian Solar, suggesting that the company needs urgent sanctioning as it is a Chinese firm masquerading under a Canadian name. She questioned why the business would not choose a Chinese name for itself. Responded to Edward Leigh's question about wheat production differences, expressed disappointment that Labour did not support her new clause on the Energy Bill, and questioned Labour's stance on importing Uyghur-produced solar panels. She inquired whether all NSIP projects will automatically receive approval, regardless of objections or rejections from the Planning Inspectorate.

I am concerned about the lack of local planning policy frameworks for solar farms, which disempowers local communities and leads to numerous applications being approved without proper consideration. He asked the Minister for reassurance that controversial applications for solar farms will not be green-lighted by local authorities, citing an example in Framlingham.

Mr Thomas argued that the land squeeze is not just about renewable energy and highlighted the economic opportunity of £1 trillion by the 2030s if policies are right, but also a downside risk of £62 billion in missed investment due to planning issues. He emphasised the importance of farmers and landowners in supporting solar generation and suggested reforming the traditional route under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to allow slightly bigger sites without NSIP. Mr Thomas stressed the need for proper grid capacity assessment before deciding on site locations.

Asked what the difference in wheat production is between grade 3a and 3b land.

The national planning policy framework previously banned solar farms on slightly less good quality land, but recent changes now allow such use, which poses a significant problem. Asked Richard Foord whether he was against large solar developments on prime agricultural land or if he supported smaller-scale installations across various locations. Emphasised the need for clarity in the MP's position regarding solar farms and their impact on agricultural land. My hon. Friend is right that decisions about solar farms should be made at the local level, but with sites up to 200 acres being proposed in places like Cornwall and Wiltshire, it can be challenging due to national targets and government policy favouring solar development. He expressed concerns about the long-term viability of solar farms due to rapidly advancing technology and their potential impact on food security. He also raised issues regarding the planning system, suggesting a return to the presumption against using grade 3b agricultural land for renewable projects.

The speaker praises the debate's organisation and notes examples of solar farms coexisting with grazing land and being established on industrial sites that cannot be used for other purposes, advocating for preserving productive land for agriculture.

The loss of arable land for food production is at its lowest level since 1945 with over 750,000 acres lost in the decade up to 2019; we must choose between domestic food security or giving up land for solar and wind energy. Pressed Richard Foord to clarify his stance on large-scale solar developments, questioning whether he was against them or in favour of smaller installations across more areas. Highlighted the potential for smaller farms up to 200 acres. The speaker criticises the renewable industry for being driven by financial gain rather than environmental concerns, using a comparison to 'The Good Life' television show characters. He suggests that those involved are not genuinely interested in renewable energy but seek quick profits. John Hayes expressed concerns about the impact of large-scale solar farms on prime agricultural land in Lincolnshire, arguing that such developments should be discouraged in favour of on-building solar panels. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced energy mix and preserving agricultural productivity and landscape aesthetics. He intervened to suggest that solar panels should be placed on buildings instead of agricultural land to reduce transmission costs, bring energy production closer to consumption, and make better use of existing structures. He asked if there is a presumption against development on prime agricultural land grades 1, 2, and 3a to ensure valuable land remains available for food production.

The UK faces a significant challenge in meeting its net zero emissions targets, with the Climate Change Committee stating that confidence in achieving both 2030 and 2035 targets has markedly declined. To meet the target of 70 GW by 2035, an average annual deployment rate of 3.4 GW is required, but last year saw just 0.7 GW deployed. The speaker emphasised the need for a more strategic approach to planning and deploying solar farms, including reforms to prioritise rooftop installations, use lower-value land, and speed up the process for securing planning consent. He questioned why the Government's NSIP reform action plan did not address the issue of clustering despite recognising it as a problem.

I support my hon. Friend's point regarding food-producing land and agree that solar panels should be placed in appropriate locations, such as roofs across the country, rather than on prime agricultural land or greenbelt areas.

Argued for the necessity of renewable energy but expressed concerns about large solar complexes affecting agricultural land in his constituency. Advocated for distributed smaller-scale installations to avoid overwhelming local communities and stressed the need for modern, adaptable technology.