Pensioner wins 'landmark' case to halt Ed Miliband's solar 'revolution' on prime agricultural land

78-year-old retired scientist Chala Fiske has won a seven-year battle with Test Valley Borough Council to stop a solar farm from being built on farm land. She said the land would be better suited for agriculture than a solar development

clock • 3 min read
Chala Fiske, a Hampshire pensioner, said: "The problem I had with it is this country cannot provide its own food. We have got about 40% food security and if we have the war, and we are close to a war, we just will not be able to do anything. We know we cannot even fight a war, so food security on an island is very, very important, it really is. I am not against the solar farm so much, I am against it because it is on good land."
Image:

Chala Fiske, a Hampshire pensioner, said: "The problem I had with it is this country cannot provide its own food. We have got about 40% food security and if we have the war, and we are close to a war, we just will not be able to do anything. We know we cannot even fight a war, so food security on an island is very, very important, it really is. I am not against the solar farm so much, I am against it because it is on good land."

A 'landmark' ruling in Hampshire has dented Ed Miliband's plans to build solar farms on agricultural land. On December 10, Chala Fiske has won a seven-year battle with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC)...

To continue reading this article...

Join Farmers Guardian

  • Farmers Guardian is the ultimate resource for farmers, providing unparalleled coverage of the key issues and trends affecting the agricultural industry.
  • Real-Time Updates: Get the latest news and analysis on what's happening in the agricultural sector right now. From market trends to technological advancements.
  • Expert Insights for Smart Decision Making: We provide in-depth articles and features designed to help you navigate the ever-changing agricultural landscape. From crop management techniques to livestock breeding strategies, our goal is to arm you with the tools you need for profitable farming.
  • Join the Farmers Guardian community today and unlock a world of knowledge and opportunities for your agricultural business. We are dedicated to supporting farmers like you, and our mission is to empower you with the information and resources needed to thrive.

Register now Become a member

 

Already a member?

Login

2017, Used Kuhn Venta 3030

2017, Used Kuhn Venta 3030

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

2018 Used KRM Sola 4.8m

2018 Used KRM Sola 4.8m

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

2010 Used Vaderstad Rapid A400S

2010 Used Vaderstad Rapid A400S

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Farm Business

Emma Mosey - chair of the Farm Retail Association: "If I am not a 'real' farmer, what am I?"

Emma Mosey - chair of the Farm Retail Association: "If I am not a 'real' farmer, what am I?"

Ms Mosey recently spoke at the Transforming UK Food Systems Conference (TUKFSC) and writes for Farmers Guardian about the realities of modern farming, a health crisis from ultra-processed foods, the rural and urban divide, Inheritance Tax, production costs in farming and much more

clock 08 January 2025 • 3 min read
Countryside and farming champion Alan Titchmarsh recognised in New Year's Honours List for services to horticulture

Countryside and farming champion Alan Titchmarsh recognised in New Year's Honours List for services to horticulture

The Gardeners' World icon has been recognised for his services to horticulture

clock 07 January 2025 • 3 min read
Livestock farmers in Less Favoured Area could see profits 'cut in half' with new delinked payments

Livestock farmers in Less Favoured Area could see profits 'cut in half' with new delinked payments

"LFA livestock farms are set to be harder hit due to their historically higher proportion of income from BPS in comparison to other farm types, resulting in them now losing 45% of their bottom-line profit with the new subsidy reduction plans"

clock 07 January 2025 • 4 min read