Newark MP Robert Jenrick writes about balancing need for Net Zero project with protecting Nottinghamshire landscape around Newark

I’ve always been a staunch supporter of growth in areas such as housing, infrastructure and renewables, but I share the concerns of many constituents regarding the scale of the solar farm proposals in our area. — Writes Newark MP, Robert Jenrick.

I’m not inherently against solar farms. I believe in the importance of renewable energy sources as we work towards achieving net zero.

Solar energy has a role to play, even on agricultural land. However, it is crucial that we approach these developments with careful consideration, striking a balance with other interests and taking a pragmatic, not dogmatic, approach to reach our environmental goals.

Solar installations are well-suited for rooftops, homes, offices, factories and brown-field land. If deployed on farmland, it should be done sparingly to avoid extensive use that could otherwise be utilised for domestic crop production, safeguarding food security and mini-mising landscape impact.

I have a track record of supporting development that benefits our community and as an MP am cautious about weighing into planning decisions, especially those decided by our local councils, over which I have no power.

When serving as a minister in government, I always championed housing and transport infrastructure to improve the housing crisis and boost economic growth, so I am as far from a “NIMBY” MP as one could find, but there must be reasonable limits to development.

Some of these solar farm applications are clearly unreasonable.

Taken together the proposals for the Great North Road, One Earth, and Steeple Renewables solar farms are of unprecedented magnitude and scale for our area — indeed they would represent one of the largest solar farms in Europe.

Unless the proposals are radically changed, I will be opposing them and urging our local councils to do the same.

Due to their size, they are being decided under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure process, which ultimately involves a decision by the Secretary of State, advised by their planning inspector.

It’s a lengthy process with multiple opportunities for local people and our local councils to make their views known. You and they are key stakeholders and consultees, whose opinions should matter.

I’m not convinced the current planning frame-work for solar farms is up to scratch for these appli-cations.

I would like to see changes made that provide greater protection against very large applications of this kind, with the landscape impact involved.

There are also MPs campaigning for changes to protect higher grade agricultural land.

I will be working with neighbouring MPs and lobbying ministers to refresh the planning framework accordingly.

To gather your views on the solar farm proposals, I have created a petition, which almost a thousand constituents have completed already.

Your input is crucial in shaping our collective response, and I will share the results with councils and the Secretary of State. Please participate in the survey at https:// www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r / SOLARNOTTS.

Do take time to read about the proposals, understand how they might impact the countryside around you and your quality of life and actively participate in the planning process that will commence in due course.

You can find out more about each project through the following links: Great North Road: https://www. gnrsolarpark. co.uk/the- project; One Earth: http:// oneearth solarfarm.co.uk/ proposals/; Steeple Renewables Project: https:// www.steeplerenewables project.co.uk/the-project/.

We’re fortunate to live in and around some of the most beautiful countryside in Nottinghamshire. But that also means we are guardians of this landscape for future generations.

I firmly believe there is a way to meet our net zero commitments and protect the environment without spoiling the look and feel of the countryside.

That’s the sensible result I’ll be seeking.