Our supporters

This page documents the statements and commitments that national, county and local politicians have made to our campaign.  It is apolitical in nature - we'd like the support of all parties, regardless of their stripes and colours.  It records a person's political affiliation simply to allow their comments to be put in context of their party's national and local policies and position.  Its primary purpose is to document the clearest, most unequivocal written statement(s) and actions that a person has made against CWE's proposal and any relevant information that may influence how they are representing the Church Broughton and Barton Blount community. 

The contents of this page will evolve and be updated as further inputs are received.

Sam's statement of support from 9th June

As I already have explained to the parish, I do not have any interests to declare as I myself will not be voting on or have any say in the proposed planning decisions for the solar park in my elected county councillor role and do not set to gain financially in any way at all from this. All I have to declare is guilt by association that a family member has been approached by the company but has not entered any formal agreement. And as can be seen on Castleway energies website my fathers land is not in or near any of the marked areas in red which confirms he is not in there proposed areas. I’m finding it hard to understand what residents cannot understand about this. My opinion is against solar farms just like the party I represent and will support the community in there fight against this. Residents claiming I’ve betrayed them but on what grounds I don’t understand.

Editor's note on Sam's statement

It is definitely the case that Sam's father's land is not in the CWE's current proposal for the Church Broughton and Barton Blount area.  We know, however, that CWE has been, or is, in discussion with local landowners about further expanding the area of its initial proposal.  The use of the word "near" in Sam's sentence "my fathers land is not in or near any of the marked areas in red" is used subjectively.  Other people may consider that the land is question is "very near" CWE's current proposed area.  The land won't be identified further on this website in fairness to the position that Sam finds himself in, and because it is not part of CWE's proposal.

Jayne's statement of support from 14th June

I wish to express my total support to the residents of Church Broughton, Barton Blount and surrounding villages, all who are going to be affected by this development.  As the Ward member, I am elected to work hard for my residents and support them to the best of my capability.  Our beautiful countryside and arable land should not be exploited by the government when there are more suitable brown field sites, although more expensive, which could be used for solar farms.  Other countries use roof tops, car parks, and shopping centres why would they not consider these? Our arable land needs to be preserved as food shortages and rising costs are constantly in the media, our future food security should be far more important.

I do support the net zero concept, however, not at the expense of our best and versatile land and destroying our beautiful countryside in the process.  Much of Derbyshire is award winning national Forest. Important tourist revenue and employment are brought into our area because of its beauty. The impact of the Castle Way solar farm development would have a catastrophic impact on the historic, beautiful and diverse landscape due to the huge scale that is planned.  The government has forced these solar farm developments upon us.  We have not been given a choice.  The residents of all the villages affected need to rise and call out the energy companies.  People power is important. Residents should be heard and I will endeavour to offer my support as required.  Good luck.  We are all in this together