Across Carmarthenshire, our active family farms, rolling green hills, and quiet rural communities form the bedrock of our regional heritage and local economy.
As Wales advances its renewable energy infrastructure, a growing number of large-scale solar developments are being proposed on agricultural land across our constituency. While expanding renewable energy generation is a national policy priority, it must be balanced carefully against the need to safeguard high-quality farmland, support local food security, and protect the distinct character of our rural landscape.
I recently met with Carmarthenshire residents and agricultural stakeholders to discuss their concerns regarding proposed industrial solar schemes. Local feedback highlighted key questions around land classification, the long-term impact on livestock farming, and whether sufficient weight is being given to community views during the planning and decision-making process.
Effective governance requires robust scrutiny of energy policies to ensure they deliver practical, sustainable outcomes without compromising rural livelihoods or environmental heritage. I will continue raising these key issues in the Senedd—advocating for policies that protect prime agricultural land and ensure Carmarthenshire communities have a strong voice in infrastructure planning.
Share Your Views
I am keen to hear directly from Carmarthenshire constituents on proposed solar developments and land-use priorities in our area.
Email: gareth.beer-as@senedd.cymru
