Last week, Richard held another meeting with local parish councillors, Ben Obese-Jecty, MP for Huntingdon and the Stop East Park group to address concerns about the proposed East Park Energy solar farm.
The project will cover 74% of high-grade agricultural land—well above other approved solar schemes—raising serious environmental concerns. With rooftop alternatives available, it’s not clear why the Government is prioritising large, field-based solar farms. A newly discovered Roman settlement adds further complexity to the proposal.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Meetings with the Stop East Park Energy pressure group, with local Parish Council leaders and conversations at my Town Hall meetings have reinforced my opinion that the East Park Energy Proposal for a solar plant across a wide expanse of North Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire is unwise and will change far too dramatically the nature of North Bedfordshire. Our area has already seen a number of renewable energy schemes installed: both solar and wind. There are also other proposals which are proceeding with local support; further expanding our contribution to the transition to net zero.
East Park Energy’s proposals will have a massive impact on the local environment – affecting local residents, altering the landscape, and taking considerable amounts of farmland out of production.
The Statutory Consultation is now open and will run until the 29th October. The company is hosting a series of consultation events which I welcome. But it is important that you register your thoughts directly if you cannot attend one of these events. I shall be writing to oppose this scheme. Please join me by sending in your own submission at https://eastparkenergy.co.uk/feedback/
For more information on Richard's views on solar farms, please visit https://richardfuller.co.uk/campaigns/solar-farms
