Derbyshire County Council has voted to oppose the development of solar farms and battery storage projects on agricultural land. The motion, brought forward by the council’s Reform UK leadership, extends across the entire county following an amendment from Conservative councillors.
The decision is largely symbolic, as the county council does not have direct authority over most planning applications for such schemes, which are typically handled by district and borough councils. However, the vote signals growing political resistance to large-scale renewable developments in rural areas.
The motion was prompted by several proposed solar projects in South Derbyshire. Supporters of the measure argued that farmland should remain productive and that rural landscapes should be protected from industrialisation.
The move comes as national leaders continue to promote solar energy as a key part of the UK’s net zero strategy, citing its role in reducing energy costs and boosting independence from imported fuels.
According to HMRC data, two-thirds of the UK’s imported solar panels in 2024 came from China. Recent research by Lancaster University indicated that solar farms can reduce plant growth and soil quality, although measures such as adjusting panel height or spacing could mitigate these effects.
The National Farmers Union has previously said that using lower-grade farmland for solar installations can provide farmers with valuable diversification opportunities.
