Reflections on Solar Farm meetings

Over the few weeks, I have been hugely grateful to local residents in Quainton, North Marston, Oving, Granborough and beyond who have joined my public meetings to discuss the proposed Rosefield Solar Farm. While the site is primarily outside the Buckingham and Bletchley constituency, villages in our area could be affected in various ways.

It was therefore valuable to connect with people about the proposal, and to place it in the wider context of how this Labour Government is seeking to deliver energy security for the UK while reducing our collective carbon footprint.

I want to stress that I fully heard – and take on board – the sincerely held concerns shared with me. These are genuine, thoughtful, and important, and they will continue to guide my approach in representing local views.

Earlier this week, I was also grateful to meet Nicholas Verney of The Claydon Estate. While we discussed Rosefield, our conversation also covered a range of challenges and opportunities facing rural enterprises – and how I can support our rural community over the years ahead. I look forward to building on that relationship in the years ahead.

Finally, I met with representatives from EDF Renewables, who are leading on the Rosefield proposal. They provided an update and explained that changes are being finalised following their second consultation period last autumn. These will be made public when they submit their application.

So, what next? What is important to make clear in no uncertain terms is that no decision has been taken regarding this proposal. It is not a foregone conclusion. EDF Renewables have indicated to me that they will submit a formal application to the Planning Inspectorate this autumn, as Rosefield is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) due to its potential to generate more than 50 megawatts of electricity. You can read more about the process here: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspec...

What can an MP do? Well, before an application is submitted, I will be seeking meetings with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Minister for Energy, to ensure local views are heard and to discuss how the Government can best deliver on its clean energy ambitions more broadly, directly feeding in insights from Buckinghamshire. Once a Development Consent Order (DCO) application has been submitted, I – along with all other interested parties – will be able to make formal representations to the Examining Authority. I shall do so, using the feedback that I have received and continue to receive, at the appropriate moment. I will make public my representation once it has been submitted. I will then make an assessment regarding interventions at the appropriate time.

What can’t an MP do? As with any applications for solar farms that fall under the remit of the local planning authority (i.e. Buckinghamshire Council), no MP can directly affect the outcome of this decision. Official guidance is clear that MPs must not privately lobby planning ministers . All representations must be available for public scrutiny so that all interested parties can comment. The final decision rests solely with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Thank you again to everyone who has engaged so thoughtfully and constructively so far. I will continue to ensure your views are heard at every appropriate stage.