Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has called for a change in legislation to empower local councils to speed up planning decisions on renewable energy projects.
Speaking during a debate in Westminster Hall on Wednesday 25th October, the MP, who is also the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate, called for climate change legislation to be bound with planning legislation.
It comes as House of Commons research, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, revealed that the South West has approved both the highest number of solar energy projects of any region in the UK, and the highest number of solar energy projects per head of population.
Wera Hobhouse noted that the South West had built the UK’s first transmission-connected solar farm, and commended B&NES Council for being the first council in the country to introduce a Net Zero housing policy.
She also stressed the importance of empowering local authorities to speed up planning decisions and secure cheaper, greener energy for residents.
Ms Hobhouse commented: “I am pleased to see that my region of the South West is leading the way on solar energy.
“Every project we approve will provide more cheap, green, and secure energy to residents across the South West, including my constituents in Bath.
“We are in a time of climate crisis and fast action is crucial, but it is only with consent from our communities that we can deliver the path to net zero.
“That is why empowering local authorities is so vital. I am calling on the government to grant local authorities the power and resources necessary to approve more renewable energy projects, faster, so we can all benefit through cheaper, greener, and more secure energy.”
