Dr Neil Hudson, Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, has written to Epping Forest District Council, urging them to reject a planning application for a 237-acre solar farm between Thornwood Common and Epping Upland. The proposed site falls within the Green Belt and is currently productive arable farmland.
In his letter to the Council, Dr Hudson highlighted the inappropriate nature of developing a solar farm on the Green Belt, citing his concerns over the risks to local character and food security.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
“Whilst I am supportive of the transition to renewable energy, it is paramount that this is done pragmatically and sustainably.
“Food security is national security, and this transition cannot come at the expense of our food production industry and agricultural land.
“It is essential that the Green Belt is protected from inappropriate development such as this and that arable land remains available for food production. I urge the Council to reject this proposal.”
Dr Hudson has consistently campaigned to defend the Green Belt and has made its protection a central pledge of his work in Parliament. To read more about this, please see: https://www.neilhudson.org.uk/campaigns/protecting-green-spaces-agriculture-and-environment
