Councils oppose solar farm

Two councils have joined forces to take the government to court over its approval of the UK’s largest solar farm being developed near Scopwick.

Springwell Solar Farm was approved by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Milliband, on April 8 on a site south of Lincoln, which would cover 1,280 hectares of land.

During the planning process Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council argued against the development, citing that the application did not properly assess the impacts on our rural villages and landscapes or the impact of another solar farm following previous permissions north of the county. The councils pointed to the use 0f large amounts of the best and most versatile agricultural land, which is vital to feed the country.

The councils have reviewed the Examining Authority’s report and Secretary of State’s decision letter and now claim that the proper process was not followed so are seeking to challenge the decision legally.

Cllr Sean Matthews (left), Leader of Lincolnshire County Council said: “Following legal advice and a careful consideration of the potential costs and impact, we believe we may have grounds to challenge this decision.

 “With Lincolnshire bearing the brunt of NSIP (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project) applications, it’s important we take a stand, and use the appropriate means to try and stop these developments where possible. If the courts agree that we have grounds to challenge, we’d be in a position to launch a judicial review into this decision.” 

Cllr Richard Wright, North Kesteven District Council leader, added: “In any planning decision, weighing and balancing competing issues is fundamental to coming to a decision.  In this case, it appears that because of process and procedural flaws, the wrong weight has been applied leading to a decision that is arguably unsound.”