Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans his Department has to consult local residents prior to the approval of (a) solar farms and (b) onshore wind farms.

There are established routes in the planning system which enable communities to raise concerns about solar and onshore wind developments in their area. The level and quality of community engagement, amongst other factors, will be taken into account by decision-makers.

We want both solar and onshore wind developers to continue to engage with local communities as we increase renewable deployment to meet net zero. That is why we are retaining important checks and balances in relation to community engagement and consultation.