Pensioner wins 'landmark' case to halt Ed Miliband's solar 'revolution' on prime agricultural land

78-year-old retired scientist Chala Fiske has won a seven-year battle with Test Valley Borough Council to stop a solar farm from being built on farm land. She said the land would be better suited for agriculture than a solar development

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
Chala Fiske, a Hampshire pensioner, said: "The problem I had with it is this country cannot provide its own food. We have got about 40% food security and if we have the war, and we are close to a war, we just will not be able to do anything. We know we cannot even fight a war, so food security on an island is very, very important, it really is. I am not against the solar farm so much, I am against it because it is on good land."
Image:

Chala Fiske, a Hampshire pensioner, said: "The problem I had with it is this country cannot provide its own food. We have got about 40% food security and if we have the war, and we are close to a war, we just will not be able to do anything. We know we cannot even fight a war, so food security on an island is very, very important, it really is. I am not against the solar farm so much, I am against it because it is on good land."

A 'landmark' ruling in Hampshire has dented Ed Miliband's plans to build solar farms on agricultural land. Chala Fiske won a seven-year battle with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) last month to halt...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Business

Farming Minister confirms Baroness Batters' report will be released in 'matter of days'

Farming Minister confirms Baroness Batters' report will be released in 'matter of days'

Dame Angela Eagle sets out her vision for farming and says SFI will be 'simpler and fairer' with more farmers able to benefit

clock 16 December 2025 • 3 min read
Around 75% of farmers receive stewardship support payment

Around 75% of farmers receive stewardship support payment

RPA chief says team has worked hard to improve payment system and timing

clock 15 December 2025 • 2 min read
Defra unveils first £2.3m tech fund roll-out

Defra unveils first £2.3m tech fund roll-out

Green energy, peat-free compost and nutrient planning among first projects to receive share of ADOPT cash

clock 15 December 2025 • 2 min read