Countryside Alliance calls for “rooftop-first” approach to solar power

The Countryside Alliance has responded to the government’s proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), highlighting its key concerns and recommendations. As part of our consultation response, the Alliance makes the point that the countryside has a role in tackling national challenges like housing shortages and environmental sustainability, but that the government must work with those who live and work in the countryside to ensure that the delivery benefits rural communities instead of harming them.

One of the government's key proposals in the consultation is to increase annual housebuilding targets from 300,000 to 370,000, with a plan to deliver 1.5 million homes over five years. This includes the controversial reclassification of low-quality green belt land as ‘grey belt,’ opening it up for development. While the Alliance acknowledges the urgent need for more housing, it stresses that new homes must be affordable for rural communities and built on brownfield or grey belt land, rather than high-value greenfield sites.

The Countryside Alliance also supports the reclassification of parts of the green belt, especially land that no longer meets its original purpose, such as preventing urban sprawl. However, the organisation urges local authorities to carefully review these designations to ensure important green spaces are preserved. Land that genuinely contributes to protecting urban areas and providing natural habitats should remain protected.

In addition to housing, the NPPF proposes measures to boost renewable energy, particularly solar power, as part of the UK's drive toward net-zero emissions. The Countryside Alliance fully supports this but advocates for a “rooftop-first” approach to solar installations. It argues that solar panels should be placed on the rooftops of new homes, commercial buildings, and car parks before using farmland or greenfield sites. This would protect valuable agricultural land and natural spaces while maximising the use of existing infrastructure.

Research by CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) suggests that up to 60% of the UK's solar energy needs could be met by rooftop installations alone. The Alliance believes this approach would reduce the need to sacrifice productive farmland and better balance the country’s energy and environmental needs.

The Countryside Alliance’s response to the consultation highlights the need for a balanced approach that addresses housing shortages and renewable energy goals while protecting the environment. The organisation continues to advocate for solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Read our consultation response

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