The new Conservative government appears to be preparing to implement cuts for large scale wind and solar farms. Last month, Farming Minister George Eustice said solar panels are 'trashing the countryside in Cornwall' at the Devon County Show.
But CLA Deputy President Ross Murray told an audience at the Royal Cornwall Show this morning that landowners are investing in renewables because they have been encouraged to do so by local and national government.
"In order to make these investments they must have confidence that policies are clear, consistent and long term," Murray said.
The Queen’s Speech announced the Conservative government’s intention to remove the need for the Secretary of State’s consent for very large onshore wind projects of 50MW and above.
“This will mean that in future the primary decision maker for large onshore wind consents in England and Wales will be the local planning authority,” states the Energy Bill. The aim of this is to give local communities the final say in whether or not a wind farm receives approval or not, however it does not affect Scotland or Northern Ireland.
The CLA Deputy President said: “It is wholly wrong for politicians, like the Farming Minister, to play politics with this issue such as in recent statements on solar power. It is unacceptable for on the one hand Government policy to promote investment in solar power and at the same time Ministers to talk about stopping solar panels because they are trashing the countryside. We need a policy that gives businesses the ability to make plans.”
Mr Murray also set out a number of challenges that local and national political leaders have to meet in order to support rural business in Cornwall:
“Businesses in Cornwall are a shining example of what modern land based businesses can achieve through innovation and diversification. Providing over 237,000 jobs, more than 9000 apprenticeships and making a total contribution of over £9 billion to the national economy.
"You have achieved this whilst overcoming significant obstacles such as inadequate road and rail infrastructure, woefully inadequate levels of mobile phone coverage and superfast broadband connections. Now is the time for leaders locally and nationally to put an end to the disadvantages you face and see what more you can achieve without one hand tied behind your back.”
Victoria Lancaster, Head of Renewables for H& H Land and Property said: "We know from experience that not all companies are as reputable as they appear, so to avoid losing out, hire a professional to ensure your developer is legitimate and experienced.”
Leasing land can also be a lucrative aspect of renewable energy for farmers, yet as with investment, experts urge caution. Knowledge of renewable energy is crucial when conducting a business deal and therefore before entering any deals with developers consulting an expert should be a priority.
