Fears over 'meadows of metal and glass'

Senedd members have debated calls for a temporary ban on "monstrous" solar developments, warning the countryside, food security and Welsh farmers could all be compromised.

- CHRIS HAINES

Janet Finch-Saunders said hundreds of acres of agricultural land across Wales will otherwise be switched from a focus on food production to electricity generation.

The shadow climate secretary accused UK and Welsh ministers of turning the countryside into “meadows of metal and glass” by approving “huge, controversial” developments.

Leading a Conservative debate, Ms Finch-Saunders called for a moratorium on all applications to place solar panels on agricultural land.

She said: “Such a pause will enable this parliament to develop a solar strategy for Wales, looking at where we want those panels to be placed and where they are made.”

Criticising plans for solar on Anglesey, she told the Senedd: “I think we're quite united on these monstrosities; these huge schemes are not what are in the interests of Wales.”