Solar Farms – meeting with George Eustice

This morning, I met with Environment Secretary, George Eustice, to raise the ongoing issue of planned solar farms on farmland in my constituency at Eden Farm, Old Malton and Peter Hill, Husthwaite. Although supportive of renewable energy and reducing our reliance on imports of fossil fuels, I stressed my very strong concerns about these proposed developments on the landscape, our ability to feed the nation and fair compensation for tenant farmers.

Mr. Eustice was sympathetic to the issues I relayed, that of lack of sufficient compensation to tenant farmers and the fact although planning policy is very clear that large scale solar should not be located on best and most versatile land, this condition is potentially being undermined by local councils declaring climate emergencies and making this a material consideration when determining an application………