Object

Representation ID: 4536

Received: 23/11/2023

Respondent: Stewart MacDonald

I do not support any housing development on agricultural land as I believe we should be adopting policies to utilise agricultural land for agriculture thereby reducing food imports, food miles thereby benefiting the environment and improving food security.

Comments noted. The Local Plan must make provision to meet the county’s housing needs and all allocated housing sites in Policy H1 have been through a rigorous site appraisal process that cover environmental, social and economic factors, and the availability and deliverability of development sites is a key part of ensuring that the local plan is deliverable. The approach taken in the Local Plan for the location of new housing is for a wide spread of development across the communities rather than through several large scale developments. Whilst the plan seeks to make the best use of brownfield sites, in order to meet housing needs, particularly in sustainable locations on the edge of settlements, some allocated sites are on greenfield, agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 4608

Received: 04/12/2023

Respondent: Mr Nigel Roberts

Planning permission should not be allowed in ant circumstances

Comments noted. Policy EN6 aligns with government guidance set out in the NPPF by only permitting proposals where it can be demonstrated that the need for the development, its benefits and/or sustainability considerations outweigh the need to protect such land. Due to the rural nature of the county where agriculture makes up 75% of the land area, the need to identify and maintain a supply of housing and employment land creates pressure for development on agricultural land despite the plan seeking to make the best use of brownfield sites.

Object

Representation ID: 4748

Received: 12/12/2023

Respondent: Miss Serena Solanki

Development on agricultural land should be banned. Multiple reports from various organizations show that we are rapidly depleting farmland that is vital to the UK. Famines, war and other issues threaten our food security and we are further impacting this by building on agricultural land - which leads to rise in living costs, food costs and will impact the local and UK economy.

https://www.cpre.org.uk/about-us/cpre-media/huge-quantities-of-productive-land-lost-to-development-our-research-shows/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28003435

Comments noted. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the Local Plan. Policy EN6 aligns with the NPPF by only permitting proposals where it can be demonstrated that the need for the development, its benefits and/or sustainability considerations outweigh the need to protect such land. The banning of development on agricultural land would be contrary to national guidance and so this approach could not be used in the Local Plan. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Support

Representation ID: 4873

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Burley Parish Meeting

Solar and Wind are good sources of energy. But you can not plan for these unless you absolutely have a plan in place to recycle the panels and blades when they need replacing. No Planning should be allowed with a covenant to cover the cost a recycling these product in later years otherwise our children will be paying a high price for our ignorance.

Comments noted. This representation relates to Policy CC8. Requiring details of disposal/recycling of the solar panels and turbine blades, this would be required under Policy CC8 and CC1. Given the value of solar panels and steel used in the manufacture of wind turbines, there is likely to be a strong financial incentive for developers of commercial scale renewable schemes to sell on materials for reuse and recycling.

Object

Representation ID: 4919

Received: 28/12/2023

Respondent: Mr Anthony Orvis

Planning permission for development on ALC Grade 3b should not be permitted. As far as the management and yields are concerned Grade 3b land is virtually indistinguishable from 3a.

Comments noted. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the Local Plan. Policy EN6 aligns with the NPPF by only permitting proposals on the best and most versatile land where it can be demonstrated that the need for the development, its benefits and/or sustainability considerations outweigh the need to protect such land. By seeking to protect the best and most versatile land this will ensure that food production is not negatively impacted by development. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Support

Representation ID: 5114

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes this policy for the protection of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land. The policy therefore reflects the guidance in paragraph 175 of the NPPF. Any development on BMV land should have a soil handling plan and sustainable soil management strategy based on detailed soils surveys.

Support noted. Agree.

Support

Representation ID: 5213

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Mr Frank Brett

Supported in general. Noted that Solar PV is referenced explicitly, but electricity generation from wind should also be covered - with some caveats if absolutely necessary.

Supported noted. Disagree. Medium to large wind turbines are only permitted under Policy CC8 where they are identified within the area potentially suitable for such development on the Policies Map and any Grade 1 or 2 land is excluded from this area. In addition, land take by wind turbines is generally small scale compared to coverage by solar panels.

Object

Representation ID: 5283

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Tracey Chadwick

No development should be permitted on agricultural land. I would like to point out that the reserve site of Land off Mill Lane Cottesmore contains some grade 2 agricultural land on the site. This has not been taken into account during the appraisal stage and needs to be re-considered.

Comments noted. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the Local Plan. Policy EN6 aligns with the NPPF by only permitting proposals where it can be demonstrated that the need for the development, its benefits and/or sustainability considerations outweigh the need to protect such land. The banning of development on agricultural land would be contrary to national guidance and so this approach could not be used in the Local Plan. The site allocations assessment, used as supporting evidence in preparing the Local Plan, does include consideration of the agricultural land classification in weighing up whether the site is appropriate for allocation for housing.

Object

Representation ID: 5458

Received: 04/01/2024

Respondent: Mary Cade

No development should be permitted on agricultural land as it is vital that we produce more food, and other agricultural products such as fibres, locally, so avoiding import and transport costs, and threats to food security, whilst improving our economy. Grade 3b land, which most of Rutland is, can be very productive if farmed well.
Ground mounted solar PV should not be allowed on agricultural land, even though it is usually described as 'temporary'. Solar PV is best on roofs (of which there are plenty).

Comments noted. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the Local Plan. Policy EN6 aligns with the NPPF by only permitting proposals where it can be demonstrated that the need for the development, its benefits and/or sustainability considerations outweigh the need to protect such land. The banning of development on agricultural land would be contrary to national guidance and so this approach could not be used in the Local Plan. In accordance with the NPPF, the availability of agricultural land used for food production will be considered when deciding what sites are most appropriate for development. The council will also monitor the cumulative impact of permitted large-scale solar developments on the supply of agricultural land across the county with the information used to help inform policy development and decision making. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.
There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv and wind turbine generator developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land.

Object

Representation ID: 5517

Received: 05/01/2024

Respondent: Ms Janet Taylor

Food security should be much more of a priority, and agricultural land should be preserved to this end. In particular no ground mounted PV arrays should be allowed; there are so many roofs where they could be installed, including over car parks, solar farms are just opportunities for profit motivated companies to reap quick subsidised returns.

Comments noted. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the Local Plan. Policy EN6 aligns with the NPPF by only permitting proposals where it can be demonstrated that the need for the development, its benefits and/or sustainability considerations outweigh the need to protect such land. The banning of development on agricultural land would be contrary to national guidance and so this approach could not be used in the Local Plan. In accordance with the NPPF, the availability of agricultural land used for food production will be considered when deciding what sites are most appropriate for development. The council will also monitor the cumulative impact of permitted large-scale solar developments on the supply of agricultural land across the county with the information used to help inform policy development and decision making. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.
There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land.

Object

Representation ID: 5634

Received: 05/01/2024

Respondent: Mrs laura alcock

Protecting agriculture for food production is essential, as climate breakdown takes a hold, farming becomes more and more challenging, food security.

However , wind turbines for generation of electricity on agriculture land I would support.

Comments noted. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the Local Plan. Policy EN6 aligns with the NPPF by only permitting proposals where it can be demonstrated that the need for the development, its benefits and/or sustainability considerations outweigh the need to protect such land. The banning of development on agricultural land would be contrary to national guidance and so this approach could not be used in the Local Plan. In accordance with the NPPF, the availability of agricultural land used for food production will be considered when deciding what sites are most appropriate for development. The council will also monitor the cumulative impact of permitted large-scale solar developments on the supply of agricultural land across the county with the information used to help inform policy development and decision making. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.
Support noted. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential wind turbine developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC).

Object

Representation ID: 5679

Received: 06/01/2024

Respondent: Mrs Jayne Williams

No agricultural land grade 1-3b should be used for ground mounted solar. Rutland should designate 3b within BMV as many consider it to be as productive as 3a if managed properly. With a growing population, we will need every acre of farmland to maintain our food security as a nation. We do not need to use farmland for solar farms as there are plenty of other alternatives, roofs (domestic and commercial) brownfield and car parks, to name but a few. If there is any grade 1 or 2 land within any proposed development then the whole proposal should be rejected.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Support

Representation ID: 5715

Received: 06/01/2024

Respondent: Braunston-in-Rutland Parish Council

Agricultural land is a valuable asset and we all have a duty to protect it. Development should be confined to brown field sites where possible, we have a duty to protect our rural county from over development and we must maintain sufficient land for food production and to maintain the beauty of the county of Rutland.

Support noted. In accordance with the NPPF, the availability of agricultural land used for food production will be considered when deciding what sites are most appropriate for development. The council will also monitor the cumulative impact of permitted large-scale solar developments on the supply of agricultural land across the county with the information used to help inform policy development and decision making. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.
The Local Plan must make provision to meet the county’s housing needs and all allocated housing sites in Policy H1 have been through a rigorous site appraisal process that cover environmental, social and economic factors, and the availability and deliverability of development sites is a key part of ensuring that the local plan is deliverable. The approach taken in the Local Plan for the location of new housing is for a wide spread of development across the communities rather than through several large scale developments. Whilst the plan seeks to make the best use of brownfield sites, in order to meet housing needs, particularly in sustainable locations on the edge of settlements, some allocated sites are on greenfield, agricultural land.

Support

Representation ID: 5858

Received: 06/01/2024

Respondent: Braunston-in-Rutland Parish Council

Support

Support noted

Support

Representation ID: 5924

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Mr Rob Cooke

generally support, but there may be situations on poorer grade land where inputs exceed the value of the food produced; in these situations change of use to another form of sustainable land use woodland or nature recovery. Nb Food security is about the nation being able to feed itself, from either home grown or imported food. Food sovereignty is about growing our own food.

Support noted. In accordance with the NPPF, the availability of agricultural land used for food production will be considered when deciding what sites are most appropriate for development. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 5996

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Jane Ellis

Food security is a key concern for the UK. Development of agricultural land for housing should be a last resort. Rutland cannot sustain the levels of housing development it has seen in recent years. Building housing in rural areas increases car use

The updated NPPF places emphasis on urban development, where there is already infrastructure and employment opportunities. Greenfield housing development in rural areas is not the answer to levelling up. Rutland now needs to demonstrate a 4 year housing supply as the Local Plan is at Reg 18 stage. Housing need projections should be reviewed

Comments noted. The Local Plan must make provision to meet the county’s housing needs and all allocated housing sites in Policy H1 have been through a rigorous site appraisal process that cover environmental, social and economic factors, and the availability and deliverability of development sites is a key part of ensuring that the local plan is deliverable. The approach taken in the Local Plan for the location of new housing is for a wide spread of development across the communities rather than through several large scale developments. Whilst the plan seeks to make the best use of brownfield sites, in order to meet housing needs, particularly in sustainable locations on the edge of settlements, some allocated sites are on greenfield, agricultural land. Consultation will take place again once the Reg 19 Plan is produced and this will incorporate the updates to the NPPF made in December 2023. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 6003

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Mr Stuart Chadwick

No development should be granted on agriculture land to help protect our community from irresponsible development. The site of Land off Mill Lane, Cottesmore is marked as containing grade 2 lane and therefore should be removed from the reserve site list.

Comments noted. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the Local Plan. Policy EN6 aligns with the NPPF by only permitting proposals where it can be demonstrated that the need for the development, its benefits and/or sustainability considerations outweigh the need to protect such land. The banning of development on agricultural land would be contrary to national guidance and so this approach could not be used in the Local Plan. The site allocations assessment, used as supporting evidence in preparing the Local Plan, does include consideration of the agricultural land classification in weighing up whether the site is appropriate for allocation for housing.

Support

Representation ID: 6445

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Mrs Hilary Smith

Support the principal BUT NOT for Solar panels which should be sited on roofs not agricultural land

Support noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Support

Representation ID: 6532

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: NGO East Mercia Rivers Trust

Not sure where else to write this but there is limited recognition nor mention of soil health. There should be an additional policy on soil health, ecology & nutrient neutrality reference to rivers & run off. Whilst the present govt have watered down their policy on this, nutrient neutrality requires that new housing developments in certain areas should not add more 'nutrient pollution' to the water catchment. The Welland catchment is highly impacted by nitrates & phosphates. Perhaps speak to the Allerton Project, Game Wildlife Conservation Trust based in Loddington, nr to Oakham for wording.

Comments noted. Impact of run-off from developments is covered in Local Plan Policy CC14. Add in text as set out in response to Natural England's representation.

Object

Representation ID: 6724

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Amanda Bloomfiled

Grade 3 land that is used for arable production should not be used for solar farms.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 6728

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Catherine Andrew

I realise we need to convert to renewable energy but not at the expense of the farmland that typifies the county (sheep fields for example). Incentivise and educate us to put solar panels on our roofs and on the roofs of businesses first.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 6732

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Lucy & Tom Pengilley Gibb

Number of people: 2

Large scale solar farms should not be allowed on farmland.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 6736

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Aileen Coupe

Number of people: 2

Large scale solar farms should not be allowed on farmland.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 6801

Received: 02/01/2024

Respondent: Gary Firkins

Large scale solar farms should not be allowed on farmland.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 6807

Received: 04/01/2024

Respondent: Mrs Carol Dry

I am concerned that solar panels should not be used on farm land .

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 6870

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Catherine Morgan

Large scale solar farms, like the proposal at Stavely, should not be allowed on farmland

Comments noted. Unable to comment on planning applications such as the Staveley solar farm as part of the Local Plan process. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 6915

Received: 05/01/2024

Respondent: Ms Erica Downs

Stop the development of large scale solar farms on agricultural land in Rutland.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 6975

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Caroline McAlpine

I think it is quite wrong for Solar to be built on argricultural land where they should be put on warehouse roofing and houses and on brownfield land, not destroying all our precious countryside, especially in a small county like Rutland which we should be preserving.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 7089

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Bob Chidgey

Large scale solar farms should not be allowed on farmland.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 7091

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Mrs Sheila Storer

I would like to express my view on using farmland to provide solar power.
In my opinion it is madness to use valuable land that is already put to good use.
Planning departments should refuse to use precious farmland.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.