The eight problems identified with solar farm 'the size of a London borough'
Plans for a huge solar farm in North Kesteven have triggered multiple objections from the local council.
The Fosse Green solar farm would be able to power 110,000 homes, according to developers, and is so large it will be decided by the national government.
It would occupy countryside to the south-west of Lincoln, around the A46 and Witham St Hughs, for up to 60 years, although links to a substation would reach as far as Navenby.
Its size was compared to a “London borough” by North Kesteven District councillors as they outlined a litany of complaints with the project.
An application from Windel Energy and Recurrent Energy is expected to be determined by the government in 2026.
Of the 14 planning matters the council can consider, it believes that the solar farm would negatively impact eight of these:
- Landscape and visual impact
- Ecology and biodiversity
- Cultural heritage
- Glint and glare
- Soil and agricultural land
- Fire safety
- Cumulative effects
- Rights of way
Two of the impacts are expected to be positive, and others would be neutral or could go either way.
Conservative Councillor Ian Carrington told the planning committee on Monday (December 15): “The cumulative impact in North Kesteven and Lincolnshire as a whole is absolutely enormous.
“The potential percentage becoming glass would radically change the character of the countryside.”
Independent Councillor Marianne Overton, who brought 500 letters of opposition from residents with her, said: “Attractive villages in the rural countryside will find themselves in industrial land.”
Council leader Councillor Richard Wright criticised the idea that the land would be returned to farming after 60 years.
“We don’t know the long-term effect of covering land in panels. There’s no evidence for the applicants to say it can be handed back and instantly be put back to use,” he said.
Independent Councillor David Suiter said: “It looks to be the size of a London borough – or several of them if you consider all the other solar farms being planned.”
The report will be submitted to the government’s planning inspectors, who will hold a full hearing into the application once it’s submitted next year.