Alicia Kearns MP was among the guest speakers at a packed public meeting in Morcott hosted by Rutland Solar Action Group, which called for a ban on large scale solar developments on farmland.
The group was formed by local residents to stop the 80-hectare (200-acre) Staveley Solar Farm development on agricultural land between Pilton and Morcott, and believes solar panels should be put on roofs, not farmland.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said:
“If we are serious about food security, we must take a stand against large scale solar developments in Rutland which pose a significant threat to our best and most versatile land.
“The green transition is vital and urgent, but it must not be built at the expense of sacrificing our productive agricultural land we are reliant upon.”
Douglas Reid, Director of Rutland Solar Action Group, said:
“We are absolutely in favour of green energy, but instead of industrialising farmland we should first make solar panels mandatory on all new houses and industrial buildings, with policy to encourage solar on existing homes and commercial premises.
“Today, we call on Rutland County Council to hear our voice, and the voices of many who attended our public meeting, to develop appropriate policy for truly sustainable energy generation in Rutland in the new Local Plan – and stop speculative solar development on farmland.”
Rutland Solar Action Group was formed by concerned residents after plans for Staveley Solar Farm were unveiled in January 2023.
You can find out more information here: www.rutlandsolaractiongroup.org
