WQ85972 (e) Tabled on 24/08/2022

What action is the Welsh Government taking to enable new solar farm developments on the best and most versatile agricultural land?

Answered by Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 01/09/2022

National planning policy directs solar farm developments away from the best and most versatile agricultural land. The Welsh Government is therefore taking no steps to enable this.

 

Planning Policy Wales (paragraphs 3.58 and 3.59) ensures the best and most versatile agricultural land is conserved as a finite resource for the future. It sets out how developments, including solar, which will result in the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land should be considered and places a strong emphasis on protecting such land from development. I published a letter earlier this year clarifying this position.