Written questions

Solar Power: Planning Permission

Commons · Question 11987 · Tabled 22 Jun 2026 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero · Official record

Answered 30 Jun 2026

Question

Asked by Patrick Spencer

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether independent Agricultural Land Classification surveys conducted by a qualified soil scientist are a mandatory requirement before solar farm applications on potential BMV land are deter

Answer

Answered by Michael Shanks, 30 Jun 2026

Agricultural Land Classification surveys are typically conducted using existing site survey reports, where available. Where this isn’t the case, the developer commissions a new survey, which should be conducted by soil scientists, or experienced soil spec...