Many residents will be receiving updated plans from the proposed Whitestone solar development in our area.

I want to be clear: I cannot support these plans. I have been holding regular meetings with residents and the developer. I am pleased that this has resulted in some significant changes and a 25% reduction in the scale of the plan. It is welcome that particular areas which local residents sought to be protected have been.

But nonetheless, the revised plan is not good enough. Whilst I support the government’s plans for more renewable energy to cut bills and end our reliance on foreign supplies, my priority is always my constituents. Residents in the affected areas – Harthill, Woodall, Aston, Brampton-en-le-Morthen and Ulley – are rightly worried about this and I will stand with them.

I will continue to work with the developer, urging them to make further changes. And over the coming months, I will be holding further public meetings for residents. Please do keep an eye out for these on Facebook and elsewhere.

The formal application still has not been made. This is likely to occur in the summer of 2026. I hope that further changes will be made before then. In the meantime, if you have any questions, or want to raise any issues with me, please do let me know: [email protected]