Fears solar farm near Gainsborough will become an “industrial eyesore”

Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning and Regulation Committee discussed the West Burton Solar Project’s plans for an energy solar park covering three separate land parcels on land to the north of Saxilby and south of Marton.

The panels will cover approximately 900ha and produce 480MW of energy, which will be transferred to the West Burton Substation via underground cables.

The proposed site is primarily surrounded by arable farmland and woodland, with the nearest settlement being the village of Broxholme.

Officers presented a local impact report to the committee as part of the Development Consent Order application, which will go before the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The officers’ report stated that the West Burton Energy Project would offer positive impacts in terms of producing clean renewable energy and contributing to the transition towards Net Zero.

It also has the potential to deliver significant biodiversity net gain through the creation of mitigation and enhancements proposed as part of the development.

However, it noted: “There are some limited economic benefits arising from the potential creation of employment opportunities and increased spending on local services during the construction phase.”

Officers are awaiting the results of an agricultural specialist’s report to define the grade of farmland the solar panels would occupy.

West Lindsey and Lincolnshire County Councillor Tom Smith (Conservative) said the landscape character was a significant issue to consider.

He said: “This essentially turns what is, at present, a picturesque and typical Lincolnshire view of agricultural land into, let’s be frank, what is essentially an industrial eyesore that would span swathes of the district.”

He feared the panels would also negatively impact the economy, both from a tourism and agricultural perspective.

The report will be submitted to the Secretary of State by November 26.