Solar farm proposals increase in size

The scheme would provide 750 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 215,000 homes annually

Plans for a solar farm near Spalding have increased in size by around 200 hectares since they were first announced.

The Meridian Solar Farm, which would generate electricity for more than 200,000 homes, was originally estimated at 900 hectares last year.

The developer Downing Renewable Developments said it is still fine-tuning the proposals and wanted to hear from residents before a planning application is submitted.

Stage two of the company's consultation began on 24 April and runs until the 8 June, with three in-person events for members of the public.

Information put out by the developer said only around 600 hectares would actually have solar panels on, with the rest holding infrastructure such as cables and battery storage.

Most of the project would be focused near Spalding and Crowland, with a fourth area to the east near Sutton St Edmund.

David Vernon, head of nationally significant infrastructure projects at DRD, said: "We're inviting the public to learn more about and provide feedback on our developed proposals, which is important to help us shape our final designs.

"We encourage anyone with an interest in Meridian Solar to take part in the consultation," he added.

'Steamroller through'

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, it is expected that the plans will be submitted later this year.

If approved, the project would be operational by about 2029 and would produce renewable energy for up to 40 years.

The Meridian Action Group, who are campaigning against the solar farm, say it's vital that residents make their feelings heard.

The group say the facility should be placed on brownfield land instead of good quality farmland, which they believe would threaten food security.

Spokesman Paul Smith said: "Be in no doubt, without comments from the public, especially those to be most affected, this scheme will steamroller through exactly as proposed.

"Your comments, views and opinions will only count if you express them now," he added.

The public consultation meetings will be held at:

• Sutton St Edmund Village Hall – Saturday 10 May, 10:30 – 16:30 BST

• Crowland Snowden Pavilion – Wednesday 21 May, 14:00 – 20:00

• Weston Village Hall – Thursday 22 May, 14:00 – 20:00

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.