Council leader seeks government clarity on solar farms

The leader of Mid Suffolk District Council has called on the government to provide a clear national framework for the development of solar farms.

Andy Mellen said it was essential to help all local authorities find the right balance between delivering renewable energy, food production and protecting the countryside.

Speaking at the Local Government Association Conference, in Bournemouth, he spoke of the difficulties councils and communities faced – particularly around large-scale solar farm applications.

Councillor Mellen said: “What we are currently lacking is a coherent national policy, a strategic joined up plan for energy development and food production.

“We cannot piece this together at the local level. When we do make decisions that are acceptable to our communities, it can cost us money when we subsequently lose an appeal.”

He outlined how some people were concerned about loss of farmland, impact on landscapes and loss of biodiversity due to solar energy developments and added: “As a Green-led council we do want to see renewable local energy production, but what’s the right amount? And what, perhaps more importantly, is the amount that our communities will accept?

“The National Policy Planning Framework guides our planning decisions, but currently does not adequately protect the best and most versatile farmland.

“Energy production is clearly a national priority, food production is also a national priority. We’re not Nimbys, we want to take the right decisions for the planet and for people, but we need the national policy framework in which to make them.”

Councillor Mellen said the issue would be raised with the government and Mid Suffolk’s MPs.