Rachel has called on the Government to do more to encourage solar panels to be installed on rooftops.
It’s part of her continued efforts to oppose proposals for a 287 acre solar farm to be built on land near Inkberrow. The MP for Redditch and the Villages believes that solar farms should not be built on good agricultural land.
Today (May 21st) in Energy Security and Net Zero questions, Rachel asked the Minister for Nuclear and Renewables, Andrew Bowie MP, what more he is doing to ensure solar panels are placed on car park and warehouse rooftops.
In response to Rachel’s question, Minister Bowie said: “My Honourable Friend is absolutely right that we need to protect the best and most versatile agricultural land in this country.
“Unlike the Opposition, we respect the views of communities up and down this country, and we will not countenance the industrialisation of our countryside.
“However, solar power remains very important. We are committed to our 70 GW target. In our forthcoming solar road map, we will set out exactly how we will incentivise the development of rooftop solar, and development on brownfield and other sites.”
Last week, the Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho told Parliament that the best agricultural land should be prioritised for food production. That includes protecting ‘Best and Most Versatile’ land, ensuring large solar projects avoid this higher quality land where possible. Instead, they should be developed on brownfield land, contaminated land, industrial land, and lower quality agricultural land so as not to compromise the UK’s food security.
Rachel said: “We shouldn’t be plonking solar panels on good agricultural land, which is why I continue to oppose the proposals for a 287 acre solar farm on land near Inkberrow.
“Instead we should be encouraging solar panels to be installed on roofs, including on top of car parks and warehouses, to help meet the Government’s solar energy target. I was encouraged to hear the Minister confirm the solar road map will set out how the Government will do just that.
“The truth is: while Conservatives are protecting the green belt and standing up for local voices, Labour are not only willing, but actively planning to concrete over the countryside.”
