Planning: Energy Efficiency and Fire Safety

Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate Excerpts

Monday 23rd June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

As this is incorporated into the planning process, it will become part of how planning is done so that it will be put in from the outset. We will accelerate the specific types of infrastructure, including making sure that, as people put planning applications in, we look at them to make sure that buildings are fit for purpose, do not need retrofitting and will have solar panels and, where appropriate, ground source heat pumps. Our commitment is to get to net zero as quickly as we can while making sure the planning system is fit for purpose in delivering that across the country.

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

My Lords, the issue of sustainable energy concerns us all, particularly with the advent of a large number of applications for solar farms. Is the Minister aware that, on fire safety, there are deep concerns among the population because of the lithium battery plants that have to go with these solar farms? Where other solar farms have been created around the world, there have been considerable dangers, and fires have occurred that have put local populations in some jeopardy. Does the Minister have any comment on that?

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

I understand the question the noble Lord is asking. I remind the House that 0.1% of the country has solar farms. I understand that that is not the question he was asking, but it is raised very frequently in the House. I will take back the issue of lithium batteries and solar farms and send him a Written Answer.