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<p>The Government considers that there is a strong need for increased solar deployment.
As set out in the Energy Security Plan in March 2023, deploying rooftop solar remains
a key priority for the Government. To meet our objectives for energy security and
climate change, we will also need to make significant use of ground-mounted solar
development mainly on brownfield, industrial and low and medium grade agricultural
land. The Government encourages deployment of solar technology that delivers environmental
co-benefits, with consideration for ongoing food production.</p><p> </p><p>Meeting
energy security and climate change goals is urgent and of critical importance to the
country, and these goals can be achieved together with maintaining food security for
the UK. We recognise that, as with any new development, solar projects may impact
on communities and the environment. The planning system allows all views to be taken
into account when decision makers balance local impacts with national need.</p><p>
</p><p>Striking the right balance between different land uses is a challenging task,
which will involve trade-offs. There are many uses of our land that we need to anticipate
for the future: growing food, planting trees, building homes, natural habitats, energy,
land for infrastructure, and leisure and recreation. The Land Use Framework for England,
to be published this year, will help to inform how we manage trade-offs and maximise
co-benefits on the land, thereby supporting the delivery of multifunctional landscapes
that will be dependent on the local context and national needs.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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