BOOM POWER’S ANGLESEY SOLAR FARM PLANS “ON HOLD”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn has welcomed confirmation from Boom Power that their plans for solar farms at Llanbabo and Llechcynfarwy are “on hold” following a recent announcement from Welsh Government, outlining their position that solar farms should not be granted planning consent agricultural land that is classed as ‘Best and Most Versatile’ (BMV land).

Boom Power’s plans included proposals to develop a solar farm on approximately 64 hectares of land, the majority of which has since been classed as Best and Most Versatile as per the Agricultural Land Classification maps published by Welsh Government.

Mr ap Iorwerth recently pursued the significance of BMV land classification in the Senedd, where he welcomed a strengthening view that retaining the best and most versatile land for agriculture is more important than ever.

In response to Boom Power’s announcement, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said:

“Today’s announcement from Boom Power – who had plans for solar farms at Llanbabo and Llechcynfarwy – is a significant one for all solar developments on Ynys Môn. I’m pleased that they have taken the decision to put their plans on hold because of national policy guidance announced earlier this year which outlined the importance of keeping our best and most versatile land for agricultural and food production use.

“Other solar developers must now take note of this decision.

“I spoke about the need to protect agricultural land from solar over-development in the Senedd earlier this year, and in further written questions to Ministers. Just a few weeks ago I highlighted this to the planning hearings assessing the Traffwll solar farm proposal near Bryngwran. Solar is fine in principle as part of the renewable energy mix, but only if it’s in the right place, brings genuine community benefit and doesn’t jeopardise food production on good agricultural land.”

ENDS