Stafford MP calls for solar panels to be fitted to all new car parks and commercial buildings
All new car parks and commercial buildings should be required by law to include solar panels, says an MP.
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, is urging the public to sign her petition calling for tougher planning laws which would require developers to play a role in promoting green energy.
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Earlier this year, she launched a petition which attracted hundreds of signatures urging the Government to take a 'roofs-first' approach to solar energy, by making panels mandatory on all new homes.
The Government later confirmed that almost all new homes would be built with solar panels by 2027.
She said she had now written to ministers demanding that the planning rules should also be updated to require large car parks and commercial buildings to include solar panels.
"Our community helped secure solar panels on new homes because we spoke up together," she said. "Now, I believe we need to go further.“
Miss Ingham said residents and businesses had repeatedly raised the need for visible, practical action on clean energy.
Large car parks and commercial buildings offered significant capacity for solar power, she said, but so far this potential remained largely untapped.
“Countries including France and the Netherlands already require solar panels on new commercial and public infrastructure, reducing emissions, lowering long-term operating costs, and supporting green jobs," she said.
"I believe we should do the same, a roofs-first approach to solar would cut bills for local businesses, protect our countryside, and keep Stafford leading the way on clean energy.”
Miss Ingham has also asked ministers to publish guidance for businesses and public sector organisations interested in retrofitting existing sites.
