LANDOWNERS in the South-West have hit back at comments made by Environment Secretary Liz Truss over the aesthetics of solar farms.

Ms Truss said the green energy projects blight the landscape and take good land out of food production but the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents landowners, farms and rural businesses, says her views on solar farms are misguided.

CLA South-West Director John Mortimer said: “There is no question that the best and most versatile land should be retained for food production wherever possible, and this is safeguarded by both the agricultural and solar industry, but the vital point the Environment Secretary has overlooked is that agricultural activity can continue alongside and underneath solar panels to produce double output of both food and energy, essential in a world where demand for both is increasing.”