I recently voted to protect high-quality agricultural land, also known as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land from inappropriate solar development.
I supported New Clause 39 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which sought to prohibit the development of solar power generation on BMV agricultural land. This important measure aimed to safeguard our valuable farmland and protect our food security.
Unfortunately, despite strong support from my Conservative colleagues, the motion was defeated by 335 votes to 114, with the Liberal Democrats abstaining and the Labour Party voting against the proposal.
I was pleased to vote in favour of the motion to protect our high-quality agricultural land from solar development. Representing a largely rural constituency, I have raised this issue with Ministers frequently both regarding specific solar developments here in Worcestershire and in national planning policy discussions.
I welcomed the previous Conservative Government’s position against using valuable farmland for solar projects. Sadly, the decision by Labour MPs to vote against this motion en masse shows once again that this Government does not understand rural areas. Whether it’s the Family Farm Tax, the dramatic increase in housing requirements for rural areas (while reducing them for urban areas like Birmingham), or a lack of commitment to protecting our BMV land, and by extension, our food security it’s clear that this Labour Government does not understand or support our rural communities, including those here in Worcestershire.
This vote follows my ongoing efforts to protect BMV land from large-scale solar developments. I have consistently raised concerns with Ministers about the impact of so-called “temporary” developments that can last up to 40 years, affecting local agriculture and grazing. Last autumn, I responded to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation, opposing any relaxation of rules that would allow development whether for housing or solar farms that undermines our food security.
With the growing number of proposed solar developments, including several clustered across Worcestershire, I remain fully committed to protecting our high-quality agricultural land, supporting our rural communities, and representing the interests of Droitwich, Evesham, and the villages.
