The MP for Filey Says He Remains Concerned about Farmland Being Used for Solar Farms
Filey's MP says he doesn't want to see a proliferation of solar panels on Farm Land.
Kevin Hollinrake thinks they should be installed on as many public buildings as possible but says farm land should be left alone.
The Thirsk and Malton MP says the UK is at risk of "swapping energy security for food security" if it continues to put solar panels on productive farmland.
He says an increasing trend to build solar farms on agricultural land needs to be stopped.
Last month plans were submitted for a 55 Hectare Solar Farm near Scarborough. The 50 hectares of land – equivalent to around 70 football pitches – would be used for solar energy for four decades, according to planning documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council.
Concerns had been raised about the loss of agricultural land and other impacts of the development on the rural environment.
However, an impact assessment report states:
“Whilst this land would not be available for intensive agricultural use, the applicant states that the resource would not be permanently lost and some agricultural activity could occur through grazing.”
It adds that existing green corridors would be retained and that the creation of new hedgerows could enhance foraging and nesting opportunities for a range of species including birds, invertebrates, and bats.
- RELATED STORIES : Plans Submitted for 55-Hectare Scarborough Solar Farm
Last October plans for a solar farm near Malton were refused permission with much of the controversy focussing on the loss of farmland 60% of which had been graded the best and most versatile.
Meanwhile a 34-megawatt solar farm project near Scarborough is expected to be completed later this year.
The Eastgate Solar Project will include 62,500 solar panels once complete. The company behind the scheme has signed a supply agreement with the Co-op which will buy the entire output of the site to use across its estate, including food stores, distribution centres and Funeralcare homes right across the United Kingdom, over a 15-year period.
When all the solar panels are operating at maximum capacity, together they will provide enough electricity to supply up to 7.5 % of Co-op’s total electricity needs per year.
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