Towards the end of 2023, Richard was contacted by RNA Energy Ltd about their plans for a large solar farm (East Park Energy) between Keysoe, Little Staughton and Pertenhall. After holding an introductory meeting with the RNA Energy team and with the Parish Councils directly affected by the proposals, Richard posed a series of questions to RNA Energy. Last month they responded and, after seeking their approval to publish their response, Richard is now able to share this correspondence with you.
Richard Fuller MP said:
The proposed 2,000+ acre solar farm would alter radically the landscape of North Bedfordshire. If approved, this project would be a dramatic change to our natural environment.
While a final decision is not expected until 2025, I asked RNA Energy a series of questions and I am posting their reply here.
I had also recommended to RNA Energy that it would be helpful for them to host public meetings in the areas affected with the Managing Director attending. I offered to chair the meetings as I believed it would be helpful to all concerned to discuss the proposal directly with the sponsors. I am disappointed that RNA Energy have declined this invitation.
In the meanwhile I have had further discussions with the government Minister and initiated enquiries with National Grid and I will be meeting with the affected Parish Councils in the coming days to discuss this further.
It is important that all residents in the area are made aware of this, so please share this story with any of your friends in the area and ask them to contact their Parish Council or to join the local residents’ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/304258155798396.
Please do follow me on facebook here or sign up to my newsletter here where I will continue to provide updates.
Richard has also been asking questions in the House of Commons about the use of agricultural land for solar farms. More can be read in the links below:
https://richardfuller.co.uk/news/richard-questions-minister-use-agricultural-land-solar-farms
