Rutland Councillors Propose Motion on Solar Development and Food Security

Rutland Councillors Propose Motion on Solar Development and Food Security

Rutland Councillors Propose Motion on Solar Development and Food Security

At Thursdays Rutland County Council meeting, (18th September, 2025 7.00 pm)  a new motion titled "Solar Motion", proposed by Councillors K. Heckels and L. Stephenson, (Conservative) will be discussed. The motion seeks to address the balance between tackling climate change and preserving Rutland's agricultural landscape and heritage. It builds upon previous council commitments to climate action and the preservation of the countryside.

The proposed motion outlines several key resolutions for the council:

• Cumulative Impact and Preservation: The council will be asked to acknowledge that the combined effect of multiple solar farms in Rutland must be considered. The focus is on the potential consequences for the landscape, biodiversity, and local communities, while upholding the commitment to enhance the countryside. This point highlights a concern that while individual projects might be acceptable, their total impact could be detrimental.

• Support for Local Plan and National Policy: The motion supports the solar farm policies within the proposed Local Plan, which are in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It emphasises that solar projects are encouraged in specific, designated areas or in adopted Neighbourhood Plans. This reinforces a preference for planned development over ad-hoc applications.

• Prioritising Alternative Locations: The motion strongly encourages the development of solar panels on new housing, rooftops, agricultural buildings, and industrial zones. This is presented as a preferred alternative to using agricultural land and open countryside. It also welcomes the new Future Homes Standard which reduces carbon emissions and expresses a desire for the government to amend its Climate Change Policy to reflect the equal need for food security. This is a significant point, as it directly addresses a growing national concern about the use of farmland for renewable energy projects.

• Community Compensation and Ethical Procurement: The proposal advocates for solar farm developers to provide "competitive community compensation" that exceeds any future industry or government standards. Additionally, the motion raises concerns about the ethical issues within solar panel supply chains and urges for the ethical procurement of materials.

In its concluding statement, the motion states that it demonstrates the council's commitment to "safeguarding food security, preserving Rutland’s landscape, heritage and environment, promoting ethical chains in the solar industry and advocate for sustainable development and net-zero."

A copy of the motion, if passed, will be sent to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. This action aims to influence national policy by showcasing Rutland's stance on balancing renewable energy goals with agricultural and environmental protection.

Rutland's Pedals and Pounds: A Community Spirit Preserves Historic Churches

Rutland's Pedals and Pounds: A Community Spirit Preserves Historic Churches

Rutland's Pedals and Pounds: A Community Spirit Preserves Historic Churches

The Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Sarah Furness 

outside St Andrews Church Whissendine

On Saturday, September 13th, 2025, Rutland was buzzing with activity for the bi-annual Ride and Stride. This special event saw participants travel across the county, using their chosen mode of transport to visit Rutland's beautiful and historic churches. The goal was to raise money for two causes: their chosen designated church and the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust (RHCPT).

Chair of Discover Rutland and High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant

The sun shone for most of the day, creating the perfect backdrop for this community effort. Church recorders and dedicated bakers were on hand, ready to welcome participants with a warm smile and, for many, some delicious homemade cakes.

Cyclists were out in full force, ranging from individual riders to a determined team of six from Market Overton who started at 7 a.m. and managed to visit all 64 churches, cycling over 200 kilometers in the process! Others, like Beverley Hancock, the Secretary and Acting Treasurer of RHCPT, took on the challenge on foot, walking to an impressive 18 churches.

Simon Forster from Ketton

But it wasn't just bikes and walking boots. The event showcased some truly unique ways of getting around. Simon Forster from Ketton took his 1949 Ferguson tractor for a spin, visiting Tinwell, Edith Weston, and North Luffenham. The High Sheriff of Rutland, Col Richard Chesterfield, rode his motorbike to 62 churches, while the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, toured eight churches on a Discover Rutland electric bicycle. Another unique participant, Joshua Davis from Egleton, combined his journey with a musical performance, playing the organ in every church he visited.

Joshua Davis from Egleton,

Photo supplied by Sylvia Bland

  

Dr. Sarah Furness, who is also the President of RHCPT, saw no better way to celebrate Rutland Day than by supporting the preservation of its historic churches. "We visited 8 churches and cycled 12 miles—enormous fun! I am a great fan of electric bikes!" she said. Dr. Furness was accompanied by Jason Allen, Chair of Discover Rutland, and Andrew Robinson.

David Wood and walkers from Wing at Manton

"Thanks to all who raised funds to preserve these important buildings," the Lord-Lieutenant added. "In Rutland, we have really significant historic churches punctuating our beautiful countryside. They are an important part of our culture and heritage." She also extended her gratitude to all the volunteers who welcomed participants, offering them a place to rest, refuel, and enjoy some of those delicious cakes.

Since 2023 The Ride and Stride event has raised over £23,000 for RHCPT, providing vital grants for the restoration and repair of the county’s historic churches. While the final amount raised this year is still being tallied, it is clear that the community's efforts will make a significant contribution to preserving these cherished places of worship for future generations.

Welcome team St Johns Ryhall

If you'd like to support this cause, you can still donate. Simply visit the Good Hub fundraiser page for Ride + Stride Rutland at http://bit.ly/463YTYr.

UK Drops Espionage Case Against Two Men Accused of Spying for China, In a powerful statement delivered in Parliament, MP Alicia Kearns expressed her dismay and frustration

UK Drops Espionage Case Against Two Men Accused of Spying for China

In a surprising turn of events, the UK has dropped its high-profile espionage case against two British nationals, Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, who were accused of passing sensitive information to China. The decision came just a month before their trial was scheduled to begin, a move that has sparked significant criticism and raised questions about the UK's ability to counter foreign espionage.

The charges, which the two men had consistently denied, were based on allegations that they provided information to the Chinese state. Cash was arrested while working as a parliamentary researcher for Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who at the time chaired the influential Foreign Affairs Committee. Berry, the co-accused, had also been associated with political circles.

At a hearing at London's Old Bailey court, prosecutor Tom Little informed the court that the case against Cash and Berry could not proceed. He stated that the case no longer met the "evidential threshold" required for a successful prosecution. This decision effectively ends the legal proceedings against the pair, allowing them to walk free despite the gravity of the initial accusations.

A "Disastrous" Development: Alicia Kearns' Statement

The decision has been met with strong condemnation, particularly from Alicia Kearns, who had close dealings with one of the accused. In a powerful statement delivered in Parliament, Alicia Kearns expressed her dismay and frustration. She began by thanking the Speaker for support and acknowledging the work of the intelligence community and counter-terrorism police.

Alicia Kearns called the decision a "disaster," arguing it would "embolden our enemies" and make the UK appear "unwilling to defend our own nation." She highlighted the seemingly overwhelming evidence that intelligence and police agencies had presented. She stated that agency heads and counter-terrorism police had told her the evidence was "overwhelming and the case beyond doubt," and that the "evidential standard had been met at the time of charges."

She questioned why the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) failed to get the case "over the line" and why, given the compelling evidence, it didn't proceed to a jury trial. Alicia Kearns directly implicated the two accused, stating that the evidence showed a "clear line between those two, the United Front Work Department and the politburo—the very top of the Chinese Communist party." She concluded by saying, "Whoever is responsible for this decision... they have weakened the defence of our country today and I am desperately sorry to see it."

Kearns also used her platform to advocate for legislative changes, urging the government to reform the Treason Act, place China in the "enhanced tier" for security purposes, and support private prosecutions to ensure accountability for similar future offences.

The decision to drop the case raises serious questions about the UK's legal framework for handling foreign espionage and the coordination between intelligence agencies and the Crown Prosecution Service.

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-09-15/debates/E99CD368-CE51-42A5-8938-8552798DC41C/details#contribution-1C019A43-C0AD-4B11-8269-35A502DBBB56

Rutland Food & Drink Festival: A Feast for the Senses, Oakham, Rutland

Rutland Food & Drink Festival: A Feast for the Senses, Oakham, Rutland

Rutland Food & Drink Festival: A Feast for the Senses

The annual Rutland Food & Drink Festival is set to take place in Oakham, Rutland, promising a delightful experience for all attendees. The festival will be held across multiple locations, including Oakham Castle & Grounds, Victoria Hall, and the Market Place.

Attendees can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of attractions. The event will feature numerous stalls offering a wide selection of food and beverages. Live music will provide entertainment throughout the day, and for pet lovers, there will be engaging pet competitions.

The festival is a community-focused event with free entry and free parking available in town, making it accessible for everyone. Additionally, all are welcome, as the festival is dog-friendly. The festival will take place on Sunday, September 21st, from 11 AM to 4 PM.

The festival, with its diverse offerings and welcoming environment, is a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy great food, music, and community spirit. It's an event not to be missed!