Concerns raised over huge solar farm

The proposed development would be built near Navenby in Lincolnshire

People living near a proposed solar farm in Lincolnshire have been giving their views at a public hearing.

Plans for the Springwell solar farm in North Kesteven have been under scrutiny by government-appointed planning inspectors.

The site near Navenby would eventually cover an area the size of 1,700 football pitches.

Developers EDF Renewables UK and Luminous Energy said it would power 180,000 homes and help the transition to renewable energy.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the plans have attracted opposition.

Dozens of local people attended the hearings at the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln.

Marc Williams, who leads the Springwell Solar Farm Action Group, told LDRS: "The community is so concerned about this.

"We usually get two or three people at parish council meetings. Whenever this is on the agenda, 70 or 80 will turn up.

"Everyone's against it, apart from those who will profit."

Conservative councillor Rob Kendrick told the planning inspectors: "The amount of developments are of grave concern to residents.

"Lincolnshire is marketed as the county of big skies, but it will become the county of big solar. That must have a negative impact on lives and employment."

The development has attracted opposition from local residents

Representatives for the applicant told the inspectors that the large scale was necessary to make it commercially feasible.

The land is owned by the Blankney Estate and the project designs had intentionally avoided Grade One farmland, they added.

In a statement, project development manager Rory Carmichael said the firm had made changes to the plans "following extensive consultation and engagement with the community".

"During this six-month examination, members of the public can share their views on our updated proposals directly to the Planning Inspectorate in writing, and at public hearings like the ones held this week.

"We encourage everyone local to the project to have their say."

The planning inspectorate will make a recommendation to the government, which is expected to make a final decision by spring 2026.

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