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<p>In March, my Department published new planning guidance, which made clear to local
planning authorities and planning inspectors the particular factors they should consider
in relation to large scale ground mounted solar photovoltaic farms. These include
making effective use of brownfield land and steering proposals away from good quality
agricultural land. It also underlined the importance of protecting landscape and heritage
assets, and the need to address issues such as glint and glare. It can be found online
at:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/renewable-and-low-carbon-energy/particular-planning-considerations-for-hydropower-active-solar-technology-solar-farms-and-wind-turbines/"
target="_blank">http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/renewable-and-low-carbon-energy/particular-planning-considerations-for-hydropower-active-solar-technology-solar-farms-and-wind-turbines/</a></p><p>
</p><p>To help focus these developments on brownfield sites, we have been consulting
on increasing the amount of solar that can be installed on non-domestic buildings,
including commercial roof space without the need for a planning application.</p><p>
</p><p>As my rt. hon. Friend, the Secretary of State (Eric Pickles) stated on 8 September
2014, <em>Official Report</em>, Column 648, we are considering what further steps
can be taken.</p><p> </p><p>Although not a planning matter, the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs has recently announced ending Common Agricultural Policy subsidy
payments from land on which solar arrays are hosted, to ensure that farm subsidies
support farmers whose primary use of the land is for agriculture and food production.</p>
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