Devastated farming family blast Labour for allowing 110-acre, 90,000 panel solar farm on their land in Keir Starmer’s pursuit of net zero_Nhy
A ‘shocked and devastated’ farming family have hit out at the Labour government for allowing a large solar farm to be built on their prime farmland.
The minister’s decision to approve the scheme in the pursuit of net zero means the Sturdy family, who have worked the land at Malton, North Yorkshire, for three generations, face a struggle to survive.
The decision is being seen as a dangerous precedent that will raise the threat to the future of other tenant farms across the country.
Rob Sturdy and his wife Emma face losing the use of almost half their 280-acre Eden Farm. They spearheaded a four-year campaign to prevent 90,000 solar panels being put across 110 acres of land which has been worked by the Sturdys since 1954.
After receiving 500 objections, the planning authority had rejected the scheme by Harmony Energy. However, instead of allowing a planning inspector to rule on an appeal the decision was made by housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycock.
Commenting on his decision, Mr and Mrs Sturdy said: ‘Quite simply, this Labour government does not support the hard-working farmer or family business, and the drive to net zero nationally and locally is destroying businesses like ours.’
They said: ‘We are shocked and devastated at this ill-judged decision which will cause immeasurable damage to our successful farming business and leave us with a very uncertain and difficult future.’
Adding: ‘We could not have done any more. We have fought with integrity, tenacity and a strong moral compass that sought to protect the characteristics of this part of North Yorkshire. Today, unlike some, we can hold our heads high.’
Rob Sturdy and his wife Emma (pictured) face losing the use of almost half their 280-acre Eden Farm
They spearheaded a four-year campaign to prevent 90,000 solar panels being put across 110 acres of land which has been worked by the Sturdys since 1954. Pictured: Rob and Emma with their children Lizzie and Sebastian
The solar farm could generate power for 8,000 homes. But Mr Sturdy told the public inquiry last year that farming the remaining land would be a ‘complete struggle’ as they would not be able to produce enough straw for their livestock. Pictured: File photo
The solar farm could generate power for 8,000 homes. But Mr Sturdy told the public inquiry last year that farming the remaining land would be a ‘complete struggle’ as they would not be able to produce enough straw for their livestock.
They pay rent to the landowner the Fitzwilliam Trust. Landowners can receive significantly higher rent from solar panel operators than farmers.
George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, said it was a ‘crushing blow’ to the tenanted farming sector.
He said: ‘So much for the promise made by Sir Keir Starmer that in advancing solar farm developments, it would not be at the expense of tenant farmers. We need the Government to explain urgently how it will protect other tenant farmers from having to face this trauma.’
A spokesperson for Harmony Energy said: ‘We are pleased that the project can move forward following a thorough examination. We are committed to supporting the UK’s net zero transition, and this decision will allow us to continue in that goal.
‘Sites like this, located next to an existing substation, are crucial for enhancing energy security, reducing CO₂ emissions, lowering energy bills, and driving job creation and economic growth while reducing the nation’s reliance on foreign imports.’
Kevin Hollinrake, Tory MP for Thirsk and Malton, said the solar farm approval ‘is a deeply flawed and irresponsible move that threatens the future of British agriculture, local communities, and the Sturdy family, who will suffer substantial and irreparable harm as a result.’
He said the decision ‘signalled that energy security is now more important than food security – an alarming and shortsighted policy direction.’
