Farron welcomes cuts in red tape for farmers

Cumbrian MP, Tim Farron, has welcome plans by the government to exempt small-scale renewable energy generators on farms from the burden of heavy planning regulations, stating this will provide a 'much needed boost' to the rural economy.

Thanks to significant campaigning by the farming community and specifically the NFU, planning permission will no longer be required for farmers who install renewable generators such as solar panels on existing buildings and anaerobic digesters on farming land.

This cut in red-tape will be a huge step forward in efforts to ensure farming is more productive and profitable for farmers as they will now be able to benefit from significantly lower energy costs.

Commenting today Tim said: "This cut in red tape will help farmers across Cumbria to install small scale renewable energy generators without going through the lengthy and expensive process of seeking planning permission, which will reduce their energy cost and help them to "green" their business.

"I am extremely pleased that the Government has made another important gesture towards farmers by removing another layer of unnecessary and restrictive regulation, which will provide a much needed boost to the rural economy across the UK and particularly in Cumbria."