James Wild MP has called on the government to do more to protect prime agricultural land from being lost to new energy infrastructure projects.
Speaking in the House of Commons after a statement from the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, James urged ministers to prioritise more suitable alternatives such as brownfield, industrial, and already-developed sites for new infrastructure - not the best and most versatile farmland.
Drawing on concerns from his constituency, such as in Walpole where plans for new substations and converter stations are underway, James stressed the cumulative impact these developments are having on rural communities and called for local voices to be properly heard in the planning process.
James has been regularly engaging with residents and raising their concerns with developers, including National Grid, Droves Solar, and High Grove Solar, and continues to push for a balanced approach that protects both energy security and vital farmland.
With National Grid’s second-stage consultation on the Grimsby to Walpole project about to launch, James is encouraging residents to attend the consultation event at Walpole Community Centre on Friday, 18th July, to make sure their views are heard.
James Wild MP said:
“In North West Norfolk and across the country there are plans for major solar farms substations and infrastructure taking high quality agricultural land out of use and the cumulative impact is being ignored. So, can I welcome the committee’s recommendations on solar and does he agree that the planning system should ensure that energy infrastructure is built on developed land, brown field land and industrial land not best quality agricultural land and why does he think that the government has so far failed to prioritise energy security in the national policy statements?”
National Grid’s Stage Two Public Consultation on the Grimsby to Walpole project will take place at Walpole Community Centre on Friday, 18th July. James is encouraging local residents to attend, learn more, and have their say.
You can find out more here: Have your say (Grimsby to Walpole) | National Grid
