Two Lincolnshire councils are preparing a legal challenge against Government approval of what would become the UK’s largest solar farm.
On 8 April, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, approved the Springwell Solar Farm project. The proposed development would span around 1,280 hectares of land near Scopwick in North Kesteven.
Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council had previously opposed the scheme during the planning process. Both councils argued that the application failed to fully assess the impact on nearby rural communities and landscapes. They also raised concerns about the cumulative effect of large-scale developments across Lincolnshire, particularly the ongoing use of high-quality agricultural land, which is limited nationwide.
Following a review of the Examining Authority’s report and the Secretary of State’s decision letter, both councils say they believe proper procedures may not have been followed.
Cllr Sean Matthews, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council leader, 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 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, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, also raised concerns, saying that: “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”.
The councils are now seeking to challenge the approval through the courts.
Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council
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