Lincolnshire County Council to object to major solar farm plan

A council has agreed to formally object to plans for a huge solar farm on Lincolnshire farmland.

Meridian Solar Farm Limited is seeking permission for a 40-year development consent order to build a solar farm on about 2,700 acres (1,092 hectares) of land near Spalding.

At a Lincolnshire County Council meeting on Monday, councillors described the plans as a "large-scale industrialisation" of the countryside and an example of "greed".

However, David Vernon, from Meridian Solar Farm Limited, said the project would "provide domestic, renewable energy at a time when it is most needed".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service , the solar farm would have a peak generation capacity of 750MW, which would be transferred to Weston Marsh Substation B - which is not yet built - by a fresh set of pylons.

Councillor Martin Hill said: "They're already putting an application in before they've even got a connection - which tells you of the undue speed and haste and greed."

Councillor James Bean said, until the Weston Marsh substation is in place, there would be no guarantee the project would be deliverable.

Councillors were told there are 13 public rights of way either partially or fully within the proposed project area.

Bean added: "This is not a small-scale site, but a large-scale industrialisation of productive green land over a huge area of Lincolnshire.

"When considered in conjunction with other solar projects in Lincolnshire, this constitutes an overburden on Lincolnshire residents for national benefit."

Vernon said: "The Meridian Solar Farm project will make a significant contribution to energy security in the UK, providing energy for up to 215,000 homes each year."

He said it was "critical" Meridian Solar Farm and other large-scale renewable projects were progressed "to ensure the clean energy projects contribute to the national need as soon as practicable".

Vernon said the company had worked closely with Lincolnshire County Council on its proposals.

"Across multiple rounds of consultation, we have sought to take on board their views and feedback where possible," he added.

The solar farm is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means the decision to allow it will be determined by the government, rather than a local council.

The plans are currently undergoing examination by the Planning Inspectorate. Hearings took place on Tuesday.

The council will make its representation to the secretary of state in which it will recommend to the government that the application should be refused.

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