I am very concerned about the proposed solar development at Eden Farm, Old Malton, and I am pleased Emma and Rob Sturdy were able to have a slot on GB News on Monday to talk about their campaign.
I have written to the Environment Secretary, George Eustice and the Housing and Communities Secretary, Michael Gove this week, as well as previously raising concerns with ministers. See attachments for letters.
Planning policy is very clear that large scale solar should not be located on best and most versatile land and the use of non-agricultural development provisions in the context of tenanted farms and that this is urgently in need of reform.
These provisions were intended for small scale development, whereas using these for solar completely devastates the economic basis of a farm and could drive thousands of tenant farmers off their farms across the country.
