Written Question·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·UIN 908499

Solar Power: Land Use

Tabled: 18 March 2026
Answered: 24 March 2026
Named Day

Question

Leigh Ingham

LabourStafford

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that solar energy development protects rural land.

Answer

Michael Shanks
Solar projects are subject to a rigorous planning process, during which impacts on land use are considered. Planning guidance encourages development on brownfield or previously developed land. Where the use of agricultural land is shown to be necessary, l...

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