Kit Malthouse MP: 'Solar farms belongs on brownfield land'

Imposing such a large industrial scheme on productive farmland would have been a serious blow to our local protected landscape; an eyesore in a beautiful stretch of countryside.

Unfortunately, more applications continue to emerge.

A long-standing proposal for a large-scale solar farm at Strattons Farm, between Kingsclere and Ecchinswell, is expected to come before the planning committee in August.

And now, yet another application has been submitted for a site near Monk Sherborne.

I have spoken to many local residents about both schemes — and the overwhelming majority are opposed.

I have also visited the Kingsclere site and tried to persuade the landowner to reconsider, but to no avail.

These are not just pretty fields. This is working agricultural land, producing food and supporting wildlife.

Our green spaces are what make this part of Hampshire such a special place to live, work and raise a family — and they are not easily replaced.

Once we begin building over them, there is no turning back.

Yet applications for vast solar farms are accelerating across rural communities, just as the Government proposes to limit local oversight through the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

If passed, it would restrict the grounds for review and reduce the ability of local councillors to intervene; undermining public trust and local democracy.

Of course, we must expand our supply of clean energy. But solar power belongs on rooftops, brownfield land and industrial sites — not on our precious farmland.

I will continue to fight these inappropriate schemes — locally and in Westminster — and stand up for the rights of communities to shape the places they live in.