Reform UK accused solar farm developers of “desecrating” the British countryside and threatened to pull their subsidies if it wins power.
Richard Tice, the party’s deputy leader and energy spokesman, has written letters to solar investors to warn that their money would be at risk under a Reform government. It follows a similar warning to wind farm developers last month.
In a letter sent to Island Green Power, which is planning the 2,700 acre East Pye solar farm project in Norfolk, Mr Tice wrote: “Let me put you and your investors on formal notice. Reform UK does not support this or any similar Net Zero driven industrialisation of the British countryside.
“We are now leading in all national polls, and intend to be the government in the next general election. When elected, we will immediately begin the process of ending taxpayer subsidies for large-scale solar and related infrastructure projects, and we will reassess all net zero related contracts signed under the current government.
“The renewables agenda no longer enjoys cross-party support. The environmental, economic and social costs far outweigh the benefits.
“We do not consent to the desecration of our countryside, the financial burden on working families or the subversion of our energy independence for the benefit of foreign capital and unelected green lobbies.”
It follows a decision by Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, to grant development consent orders to seven massive solar farms, with more than 30 others in the planning pipeline.
Last week The Telegraph revealed that Mr Miliband had also given the same solar developers compulsory purchase powers, allowing them to acquire or take rights over any privately held land they might need for panels or cables.
Many people living on or owning land in areas earmarked for solar farms have already been sent letters warning that they may have to surrender their property or allow cables to be run beneath it.
All developers have stressed that they would prefer to buy or lease the land as part of a negotiated settlement. However, the letters have triggered a backlash has seen an estimated 150 protest groups spring up in affected areas.
Mr Tice represents Boston and Skegness in Lincolnshire, the county targeted for five of the seven giant solar farms so far approved by Mr Miliband. He said the developments were turning into a rural land grab.
Mr Tice said: “We are writing to solar farm and battery storage developers and investors, warning them that they seriously risk losing money under a Reform government. All options are on the table.
“They are bullying landowners with threats of compulsory purchase orders; we hope to scare these developers in return with our position. We will stop this expensive net stupid zero madness.”
Conservative MP Caroline Johnson, whose Lincolnshire constituency of Sleaford and North Hykeham has been targeted by solar developers, said: “I have been consistently campaigning against large-scale solar farms for some time. I’m pleased to see that others are coming to that same conclusion.
“Labour have been a disaster for our countryside, approving massive solar farm applications across the country since assuming office. We need to make sure farmland is used for farming, to protect our rural communities and national food security.”
Reform’s threat to pull subsidies follows a similar letter sent to wind farm developers last month, warning that it would cancel subsidies if elected.
Labour said Reform was “actively trying to discourage businesses from investing in clean energy in the UK” and accused the party of “disgracefully trying to undermine the UK’s national interest”.
Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, reiterated this argument in response to this week’s letter to solar developers.
He said: “Even if we put aside the fact that renewable power is the fastest-growing energy source on the planet, even if we ignore that renewable energy is the route to cheaper energy bills and more growth – the sheer fact that Nigel Farage is doing his best to destroy investment into our country shows exactly why he is simply not fit for office.”
On Wednesday, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said anyone impacted by compulsory acquisition of land by solar or other developers must be fairly compensated.
It added: “All projects are subject to a rigorous planning process. Wherever possible, developers should utilise brownfield, industrial or previously developed land. Where the development of agricultural land is shown to be necessary, lower-quality land should be preferred to higher-quality land.”
Island Green Power, which declined to comment, is owned by Macquarie, the Australian investment giant best known for its previous ownership of Thames Water, which left the latter laden with debt. Macquarie was approached for comment.
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