MP welcomes shadow cabinet minister to district targeted by ‘mega’ solar farms
The Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has visited North Kesteven to hear residents’ concerns about another large solar farm development being planned for the county.
On Monday (June 1), Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson welcomed Claire Coutinho to Thorpe on the Hill to hear residents regarding the large-scale solar farm applications proposed for the constituency, including the nearby Fosse Green Energy Solar Farm.
The Fosse Green proposal would cover over 2,000 acres of countryside with solar panels, in proximity to the villages of Thorpe on the Hill, Witham St Hughs, Haddington, Thurlby, Navenby and Bassingham.
The nearby Springwell Solar Farm was recently approved by the Government, which will cover over 3,000 acres and has prompted a request for Judicial review by North Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council.
Major concerns raised by residents included the wastage of good agricultural land, the impact on the landscape, the risk posed to RAF aircraft including the Red Arrows due to the reflection from the panels and the lack of efficiency in how much energy is produced. Further concerns were also raised regarding ethics in the manufacture of the solar panels.
Dr Johnson says she will continue to work with local residents and pressure groups locally to fight against all plans for mega solar farms in the Sleaford and North Hykeham constituency, and Ms Coutinho nationally will continue to encourage a change in policy from the Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary.
Dr Caroline Johnson MP said: “These solar farms will cause irreversible damage to the area, and the cumulative impact of the proposals in North Kesteven, which includes the Springwell Solar Farm recently approved by the Government, is incredibly worrying. Claire showed her support to residents fighting the applications and listened to their objections to covering our beautiful Lincolnshire countryside with solar panels and taking thousands of acres of agricultural land out of use.
“I will be continuing to fight against all these large-scale proposals in the constituency and ensure your voices are heard in Westminster.”