Statement from Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, on the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero's decision to approve Mallard Pass Solar plant:
Ed Miliband has granted permission for Canadian Solar and Windel Energy to build Mallard Pass, as well as two other mega solar projects nationally.
This decision shows an utter contempt for human rights, makes a laughingstock of Labour’s so called ‘ethical’ governance, and demonstrates a complete disregard for food security. Over 6000 acres of agricultural land will be lost by today’s decision.
Worst of all, he has ignored the clear and united opposition in our community; expressed in each stage of consultation, in the highest number and proportion of opposing representations during the examination and in the Parliamentary petition signed by 3,414 people. Community consent matters.
There are 1309 documents in the planning application, yet Ed Miliband has granted permission within a week of taking on his new position. When you consider this applies to two other NSIP proposals I must question how deeply he has engaged with the detail of the proposals.
On the harm of the proposal, the decision letter states:
“the public benefits associated with the Proposed Development outweigh the harm identified.”
On human rights, the letter states:
"However, the Secretary of State does not consider that ethical procurement is a relevant planning matter in itself in the determination of this Application and, whilst noting the concerns of IPs, this matter is therefore not ascribed any weight in the planning balance."
On biodiversity the letter states:
“The Secretary of State agrees with the ExA on ecology and biodiversity matters and agrees that such matters carry little positive weight in the planning balance.”
On agricultural land the letter states:
“The ExA conclude the harm identified to land use and soil section has a little weight in the planning balance, however due to some residual harm due to the use of BMV land over the operational period, the Secretary of State has amended the matter of land use and soil weighting to moderate negative weight in the planning balance. The Secretary of State welcomes the suggestion for sheep grazing under the solar panels but considers that, as this benefit is not secured, it should not be ascribed weight in the planning balance.”
and that:
“The ExA notes that the Applicant has explained its choice of site in its Planning Statement that in order to deliver the capacity available from the grid connection, BMV land is required to be used.”
Therefore, human rights, biodiversity, agricultural land and harms to community have all been disregarded.
I will be seeking an Urgent Question when Parliament returns next week, I hope it is granted by the Speaker.
I will also explore other avenues for our fight – including Judicial Review – working with Mallard Pass Action Group.
The full decision letter can be read here: EN010127-001740-Secretary of State's Decision Letter.pdf (planninginspectorate.gov.uk)
For now, all I can say is I am sorry to each and every one of you who fought so hard and given so much time to combat this heinous development.
Alicia
