Loss of Arable Land: Contravention of National Government Policy Objectives


The Agricultural Land Classification is a system used to grade the quality of land for agricultural use; it is used to inform planning decisions affecting Greenfield sites.  In theory, it is used to protect good quality land from development.  The system classifies land into five grades, with Grade 1 being the best quality.

The Letheringham solar farm proposal will occupy 287 acres of Grade 2 (and some 3a) agricultural land, which has been used for arable crop rotation for decades, growing essential crops such as wheat, sugar beet, and oilseed rape.  This represents 23% of the total land area of Letheringham, the loss of which, we believe, is contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  In paragraph 11, sub paragraph (d) for decision taking, when there is no up-to-date development plan, Clause 1 states: “Permission should be granted unless the application of policies that protect areas of particular importance provide a clear reason for refusing the proposal”.

Furthermore, Minister Claire Coutino, has explicitly stated in the House of Commons that solar farms should only be located on land that is below Best and Most Versatile (BMV), i.e., land graded as 3b or lower.  Given that the land in question is classified as Grade 2, with some 3a, this site does not meet the guidelines for solar farm placement on agricultural land.  It is noted, however, that further soil testing has been undertaken.  It is further noted that the government intends to “tighten up on Agricultural Land Classification soil surveys undertaken as part of the planning process for solar development".  On this, the Government has said it is “looking at introducing an independent certification scheme for surveyors to ensure soil surveys are of a high quality” [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/solar-projects-must-fit-in-with-food-security].

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3) paragraph 20.10.29 states: “Where the proposed use of any agricultural land has been shown to be necessary, poorer quality land should be preferred to higher quality land avoiding the use of “Best and Most Versatile” agricultural land where possible.  Best and Most Versatile agricultural land is defined as land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification”.

There is a view that the loss of fertile land for food production is contrary to national policy objectives.  A situation which is further exacerbated during times of rising food security and global economic volatility.

Click the link here to sign the petition "Ban large solar schemes on farmland/open countryside and promote solar on roofs"