“There remains growing concern about a potential gap between public statements and deliverable policy, particularly in relation to claims that developments might be ‘stopped,’ ‘delayed,’ or ‘quashed,’” campaigners told Tice in the letter.
Reform constituencies are a key battleground for large-scale solar development. Jenrick is the MP for Newark, where two massive solar farms — One Earth and Great North Road — are proposed. Both await a decision from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
For now, the party is “using every lever available” to block developments, including legal challenges, Tice said.
This includes Reform-run local authorities Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council, which have committed up to £500,000 in public funds to finance a potential judicial review against another development, Springwell Solar Farm. That project was approved by Miliband in April.
Tice argued there are “excellent grounds” for a challenge, but the numbers are not on the party’s side.
There have been 230 appeals against solar schemes by English councils since 2011, according to data provided by lobby group Solar Energy UK. Most — 125 — found in favor of developers. And since 2024, out of 27 challenges, all but one have gone the way of developers.
David White, leader of the Say No to One Earth Solar Farm, who organized the letter sent to Tice, has asked Reform to spell out its approach to challenging new developments.
White said: “Reform’s position has raised hopes among communities most affected by large-scale solar developments. … The key question now is what is actually deliverable — communities need clear, realistic answers, not just broad commitments.”