I met with the Prime Minister to convey to him my constituents’ concerns regarding the scale of current large solar farm proposals in my constituency and the initial outcomes of my solar farm survey which has gone out to constituents in affected areas.
Since sending out my survey, I’ve received over a thousand responses from constituents, with lots more still coming in, expressing their views on the four current large scale NSIP applications in the constituency (Springwell, Fosse Green, Beacon Fen and Heckington Fen). I was pleased to show the initial survey findings to the PM, which demonstrates an overwhelming majority of constituents are concerned about food production and industrialisation of the landscape and believe rooftop solar is far preferable.
I explained how retaining agricultural land in Lincolnshire is of paramount importance for food security and how we must ensure that energy companies are not able to industrialise our farmland. I maintained how many residents are supportive of solutions including using industrial roof space and brownfield sites instead.
Please continue to let me know your thoughts on the matter as I work to ensure that your views are heard.
The Prime Minister has been clear he will not allow great swathes of British countryside to be taken up by solar panels.
Next week I will have further detailed discussions with policy officials to discuss next steps.
