The UK government has a legal obligation to permit solar farms, as set out in the Climate Change Act 2008. So why is Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns fighting against this green energy?
The Act requires the government to take steps to ensure that the UK achieves its legally binding target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050. Solar farms are a key part of the government's strategy for meeting this target, as they can generate clean, low-carbon electricity.
The government has set a target of installing 40 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 12 million homes. To achieve this target, the government will need to approve the construction of thousands of new solar farms.
The government has a number of legal obligations that it must comply with when considering applications for solar farms. These include the need to protect the environment, to consult with local communities, and to ensure that the development is in the public interest.
The government has also set out a number of planning policies that local authorities must follow when considering applications for solar farms. These policies aim to ensure that solar farms are located in the right places, and that they are designed in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment.
The government's legal obligations and planning policies provide a strong framework for the development of solar farms in the UK. This framework will help to ensure that solar farms are developed in a way that is environmentally sustainable and that benefits local communities.
In addition to its legal obligations, the government has also set out a number of voluntary commitments to support the development of solar farms. These commitments include providing financial support for solar projects, and working with local authorities to streamline the planning process.
The government's support for solar farms is part of its wider commitment to decarbonising the UK's energy system. The government believes that solar farms can play a significant role in helping the UK to achieve its net zero emissions target by 2050.
The UK government's legal obligations and voluntary commitments provide a strong foundation for the development of solar farms in the UK. This foundation will help to ensure that solar farms are developed in a way that is environmentally sustainable and that benefits local communities.
