COUNCIL VOTES TO OPPOSE SOLAR FARMS AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE PROPOSALS

COUNCILLORS have voted to oppose the development of large-scale solar farms and battery energy storage systems on greenfield sites.

- By ABIGAIL NICHOLSON

Council leader Alan Graves’ motion was approved during the Reform UK-led Derbyshire County Council's full council meeting on October 8 - despite claims such facilities serve to meet net zero targets and that they increase energy security and economic growth.

Councillor Graves said: "We are clear as a council that rural Derbyshire will not stand idly by whilst good, usable agricultural land is sacrificed at the altar of net zero and turned into a Chinese-manufactured eco desert.

"These plans are going to tear up the landscape of Derbyshire and change its very character. We are extremely worried that the views of residents and parish councils are being totally disregarded in favour of advancing the ruinous net zero agenda.

"Whilst we do not have the planning authority for these applications, we hope today’s motion sends a strong message to local district councils, MPs and the Government."