Richard is committed to protecting farmland from opportunistic, short-term solutions to clean energy goals and preserving the countryside from a proliferation of ten-foot solar panels. As a CPRE Rooftop Solar Champion, Richard advocates for rooftop solar as a viable energy solution. Learn more about Richard's role.
In March, Richard met with Cambridge Power to discuss their Cobholden Solar Farm proposal, stressing the importance of community engagement and clear communication.
Distinct from the Cambridge Power proposal is the East Park Energy project, which Richard has actively engaged with since he was made aware of the proposal. In November, Richard met with the Parish Councils of Little Staughton, Dean and Shelton, Swineshead and Pertenhall, and Bolnhurst and Keysoe to address their concerns. Read more about these meetings.
Richard has been gathering feedback from residents and encourages further input on the proposed 2,000+ acre solar farm, which would significantly alter the North Bedfordshire landscape. Share your views on the proposal.
Richard has continued to press the Government on national policy regarding the use of agricultural land for solar farms, as seen in his parliamentary question. View the details and the Minister’s response.
Following discussions with RNA Energy, Richard published his letter to them and their responses to his questions. Read the correspondence here.
Although East Park Energy declined Richard's recommendation to host public meetings, he remains proactive. In April, he held a further virtual meeting with local Parish Councils to discuss the next steps. Find out more about this meeting.
Since RNA Energy's correspondence in February this year, Brockwell Energy has acquired the East Park Energy project. Richard met with Brockwell Energy in May to convey constituent concerns and urged them to engage with local residents. Richard continues to advocate for community involvement and transparency in these proposals.
See below for all of Richard's news on Solar Power and Solar Farms.