Our energy security must not come at the expense of our food security, and I’m concerned at the increasing number of solar farms proposed on good quality farmland instead of brownfield land and on rooftops.
Today I’m making clear that:
1. Applications prioritise previously developed, brownfield land.
2. Developers avoid the best quality farmland.
3. The overall impact of lots of applications in the same area is considered.
This is effective immediately and applies to all current and future applications.
We do want to see more solar panels installed where appropriate, so we have also made it easier and cheaper to install solar on top of warehouses, farm buildings, factories and car parks.
Read my full statement here: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/.../hcws466