East Yorkshire Tenant Farmers Express Eviction Concerns Over Solar Farm Development

Tenant farmers located in East Yorkshire have expressed concerns about potential eviction to facilitate the construction of a substantial solar farm. The BBC received information indicating that a minimum of eight farms, which lease land from The Dalton Estate situated north of Beverley, have received notification regarding these proposals. According to farmers, the proposed solar project might encompass an area of at least 4 sq miles (10.3 sq km) and represents a “bombshell” for families who have cultivated the land in the region for generations. The Dalton Estate confirmed that a renewable energy company has contacted them, but stated that an “exploration exercise is at a very early stage.” An unnamed farmer reported that the plans have generated anxiety and distress, potentially impacting 16 farms, with half of these being tenant businesses. He stated: “Aside from destroying everything farmers have worked for, the loss of livelihood, our children’s future etc, there will be a massive loss of biodiversity should this plan go ahead so that the Dalton Estate can make more money.” Jeremy Wilcock, an East Riding councillor, indicated that the proposed solar farm site could span 3000 acres (1214 hectares) on land situated east of the A164 Aike/Lockington crossroads, extending from Scorborough to Watton. He commented: “Our farmers have had a hard enough time with the loss of EU subsidies, the inflated cost of fuel, feed and fertiliser, the reluctance of supermarkets to pay them a fair price, new government taxes and the increasingly unpredictable weather. “They do not need this additional anxiety.” George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, reported that his organization has observed a “significant uptick” in inquiries from tenant farmers expressing concerns regarding solar farm development. He stated: “In some respects the decisions that have been announced in the government’s budget in October are leading some estates to consider whether there are more lucrative uses for their land.” Mr Dunn further noted that some landowners are pursuing solar projects to “build a war chest” in anticipation of any inheritance tax obligations. Private landowners residing in proximity to the Dalton Estate informed the BBC that they had already been contacted and presented with “generous amounts” to sell their farms. One landowner characterized the financial offer as a “no-brainer given the state of our industry.” The same farmer also indicated that an increase in private landowners agreeing to sell would heighten the likelihood of the project proceeding and displacing adjacent tenant farmers. He expressed feeling conflicted. Tenant farmers reported receiving assurances of compensation for the cessation of their businesses. A spokesperson stated: “Tenants would be given a year’s notice. Compensation is understood to be six years’ rent.” If the solar farm project proceeds, farmers face the loss of their established way of life. A tenant informed the BBC that one of his children intended to inherit the farm, and for his family, the solar proposal represented a disaster. A spokesperson for the Dalton Estate commented: “The estate has been involved with renewable projects since 2010 and has recently been approached by a renewable energy company. “The estate is allowing some preliminary survey work to be undertaken. This is an exploration exercise that is at a very early stage. “There is no firm proposal for the area that the developer might be interested in and no formal agreement has been entered into. While we understand it is unsettling for everyone, it is important that any requirement for land is clarified as soon as possible.”