Lincolnshire’s Goliath Solar Project Sparks Countryside Controversy

A titanic solar farm, looming on the horizon between Lincoln and Sleaford, has stoked the ire of local campaigners and councillors alike, painting a grim picture of an ‘enormous scar’ on Lincolnshire’s beloved countryside. The proposed Springwell Solar Farm, a joint venture by EDF Renewables UK and Luminous Energy, stretches across a staggering 1,280 hectares – nine times the size of London’s Hyde Park – and boasts an 800MW capacity, complemented by battery storage. The developers have touted its capacity to power 180,000 homes, and its role in the transition to renewable energy. However, the sheer scale of the development has raised eyebrows and hackles alike. Concerns range from the loss of treasured farmland to the safety of the lithium-ion batteries that will be nestling amidst the greenery. Local councillors have rallied behind the cause, readying a list of objections for the planning inspectorate’s scrutiny. The final call, though, lies in the hands of the government. Critics argue that while the climate emergency demands action, plastering farmland with solar panels is not the only answer. Among the dissenting voices, Councillor Marianne Overton lamented the potential loss of over 40% of ‘good farmland’, warning of the impact on food production. The project’s planning process has also come under fire, with Councillor Ian Carrington highlighting the seeming absurdity that erecting a chicken farm demands more red tape than installing potentially hazardous batteries. Opposition is not limited to local bodies; MPs have also expressed their discontent. Public meetings are expected to unfold later this year, with a final decision likely by early next.