MP to oppose new solar farm between Steeple Claydon and Winslow

Public consultation on Furzen Solar Farm opened today (3/8).

RWE, a German multinational energy company, plan to construct a 49.9MW solar farm to the north-west of the East Claydon NGED Substation. They say it would deliver enough electricity to meet the needs of over 23,900 UK homes and would save over 1.6 million tonnes of CO2.

However, MidBucks MP Greg Smith has already criticised the proposal in a recent social media post, describing it as 'absolutely unreal' adding he 'cannot believe the total failure of this latest company to do any research whatsoever into our area and understand just how opposed to ground mounted solar our communities are'. He has also promised to work with affected villages to 'fight this latest unacceptable proposal all the way'.

His statement came alongside the repost of Claydons Solar Action Group's post, who claimed this is 'the seventh proposal that we are aware of for the area relating to substations and renewable energy infrastructure'. The community group, made up of residents from local villages, was originally set up to oppose Rosefield Solar Farm - a 1,667 acre project - which is now in the examination stage of planning. 

In their consultation leaflet, RWE say Furzen would:

• Present 'significant local wildlife benefits' with the replacement of monoculture with diverse new grassland habitats around and under the panels, new dedicated pollinator friendly wildflower meadows across the site, and bat/bird nesting boxes and bee/insect hotels.
• Create picnic areas, accessible wildflower meadows, and information boards noting local features/wildlife.
• Bring 'genuine benefits' for local residents, with a community benefit fund of up to £800,000 to support local projects.
• Generate more than £3.3 million in business rates over the lifetime of the project, to be used to fund vital local council services.
• Be able to allow 95% of the site to be used for sheep grazing and remain in farming use, allowing the soil to recover by increasing soil organic matter and improving the soil structure by avoiding regular tilling/cultivation.

The public consultation for the plans runs until Monday 14th September 2026, with two in-person consultation days held on:

• Tuesday 18th August, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Steeple Claydon Village Hall, MK18 2PY
• Wednesday 9th September, from 12:00 pm to 6:00pm, at East and Botolph Claydon Village Hall, MK18 2LR

They describe their plans as at 'an early stage', saying they welcome the opportunity to discuss the proposals and answer questions.

More details on the farm including site diagrams can be found here (external). 

MP Greg Smith's post can be seen in full below: