Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether independent Agricultural Land Classification surveys conducted by a qualified soil scientist are a mandatory requirement before solar farm applications on potential BMV land are determined.

Agricultural Land Classification surveys are typically conducted using existing site survey reports, where available.

Where this isn’t the case, the developer commissions a new survey, which should be conducted by soil scientists, or experienced soil specialists who are members of the British Society of Soil Science, the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants, or similar professional bodies.

The quality and accuracy of Agricultural Land Classification reports are reviewed by Natural England. Their findings are reported to planning decision-makers.