Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns was among the guest speakers at a packed public meeting in Morcott hosted by Rutland Solar Action Group on 5 January 2024, which called for a ban on large scale solar developments on farmland.

The group was formed by local residents to stop the 80-hectare (200-acre) Staveley Solar Farm development on agricultural land between Pilton and Morcott, and believes solar panels should be put on roofs rather than farmland.

Douglas Reid, Director of Rutland Solar Action Group, said: "We are absolutely in favour of green energy, but instead of industrialising farmland we should first make solar panels mandatory on all new houses and industrial buildings, with policy to encourage solar on existing homes and commercial premises.

"Today, we call on Rutland County Council to hear our voice, and the voices of many who attended our public meeting, to develop appropriate policy for truly sustainable energy generation in Rutland in the new Local Plan – and stop speculative solar development on farmland."

Addressing the meeting, Alicia Kearns MP said that of all the land in the UK currently earmarked for solar development, more than half is concentrated in just two counties, Lincolnshire and Rutland.

 Alicia Kearns added: "If we are serious about food security, we must take a stand against large scale solar developments in Rutland which pose a significant threat to our best and most versatile land. 

"The green transition is vital and urgent, but it must not be built at the expense of sacrificing our productive agricultural land we are reliant upon."

Ms Kearns has also been vocal about her opposition to the Mallard Pass Solar Farm also proposed for Rutland. Read more HERE.

Speakers at the meeting also included Ron Simpson of CPRE Rutland, the countryside charity, and Cllr Philip Giles, Morcott Parish Council.

Rutland Solar Action Group was formed by concerned residents after plans for Staveley Solar Farm were unveiled in January 2023. A petition has also been launched ahead of an anticipated planning application.

More information head to the Rutland Solar Action website, where the group say "YES to green energy, NO to Staveley Solar Farm."