Solar Panels on Agricultural Land Debate

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Department: Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Helen Whately

Main Page: Helen Whately (Conservative - Faversham and Mid Kent)

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Train Services: Extreme Weather

Solar Panels on Agricultural Land

Helen Whately Excerpts

Equality Act 2010 Guidance: Gynaecological Conditions
Tuesday 3rd November 2026

(3 days, 9 hours ago)

Westminster Hall
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Esther McVey Portrait Esther McVey
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I agree with the hon. Lady, and I hope the Minister is listening to what all right hon. and hon. Members are saying about this issue.

According to the Commons Library, between August 2025 and July 2026 some 733 solar photovoltaic projects received planning permission across the United Kingdom. That shows the pace at which solar developments are reshaping our countryside, with around 188,000 acres approved for grid-scale solar projects across the UK.

Esther McVey Portrait Esther McVey
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I will give way first to my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham and Mid Kent (Helen Whately) and then to my constituency neighbour.

Helen Whately Portrait Helen Whately
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My right hon. Friend is being generous in allowing interventions. She talked about the scale and pace of solar developments on agricultural land. In my constituency, we already have a huge development of over 700 acres, and another one on 160 acres near Rodmersham has just been given permission. A huge quantity of important agricultural land is being destroyed by solar developments. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Government need to take that into account in their guidance on planning decisions so that we do not jeopardise our food security?

Esther McVey Portrait Esther McVey
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I do indeed. That is precisely why are having this debate: to impress on the Government what actions they need to take.

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