MP speaks out against Roundhill Wood Solar Farm

During a Westminster Hall debate yesterday (Thursday April 18) on large-scale solar farms, Rachel once again made clear her opposition to JBM Solar’s proposals.

The local MP has previously visited the proposed site to meet with the Roundhill Wood Solar Farm Opposition Group and carried out a residents’ survey which found 70% of respondents opposed the solar farm.

During the debate, Rachel made clear that she supports renewable energy and reaching the UK’s Net Zero target, but she strongly opposes solar farms being built on agricultural land.

How the firm says the solar farm would look (Image: JBM Solar)

Rachel said: “Residents have told me that they are wholly supportive of renewable energy from solar power and the ambition of tackling climate change more generally, but they have a number of concerns namely loss of prime agricultural land at a time of war.

“I agree with residents that farming subsidies should not be used to encourage more solar farms, when what we really need are more wheat and dairy farms so we can be sustainable as a country.

“Meanwhile, I will continue to support Roundhill Wood Solar Farm Opposition Group in the fight to stop solar panels being plonked on good agricultural land.”

Phil Coathup, Chair of the Roundhill Wood Solar Farm Opposition Group, added: “We’re not opposed to green energy or measures to protect our planet, but we just shouldn’t be building huge solar farms on good agricultural land.

“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from Rachel who is backing us in our fight to stop this 250 acre solar farm being built in Roundhill Wood.”

If approved, a 49.9 megawatt power station would be built on land south of Earls Common Road and meet the energy needs of more than 18,000 homes, it is claimed.

The planning application asks for temporary permission for 40 years.