Last week, Richard took part in a debate on large scale solar farms which was led by Dr Caroline Johnson MP.
In the debate, Richard made the point that small-scale solar farms in his constituency have been welcomed by local communities because the developers have spoken to parish councils and worked with local residents to ensure that the siting is appropriate. He argued that large-scale financial vehicles, which masquerade as solar farms trying to help us to achieve net zero, have caused consternation and that includes the East Park Energy development proposed for the north of Bedfordshire.
Richard's contributions can be watched at https://youtu.be/8vn-L8FyitQ?si=ZjzdjeBUAhQTdg2g
Speaking afterwards, Richard Fuller MP said:
Dr Caroline Johnson, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, led an important debate on large scale solar farms highlighting the damaging effect such over-scaled developments can have on communities and expressed her concerns that our best and most versatile farming land is not being adequately protected.
I agree with her concerns: not about the smaller scale solar farms but those that are so big they have to go through the national planning approval process.
The government is taking action to protect communities by tightening up the rules. I hope they go further and address the economics of farming which currently make leasing farmland to solar power speculators so attractive.
Interestingly, not a single backbench MP from either the Labour or Liberal parties attended the debate. Telling.
