North East Lincolnshire councillors have approved a significant solar farm development near Immingham, despite objections from local residents. The ambitious scheme put forward by One Planet will establish a vast 49.9MW solar farm and a battery energy storage system on farmland near Margaret Street. Despite the project’s goal of harnessing renewable energy, some residents have voiced concerns over potential noise from the battery storage and the loss of agricultural land. The site covers approximately 182 acres of the total 232-acre site, with the rest intended for landscaping. Critics suggest that the land could be used for crop production, but reports indicate that the soil’s moisture content makes it unsuitable for farming. While noise from the battery facility sparked debate, officials reassured that the closest residence is a substantial 300 metres away. Although planning permission was granted last Wednesday, the project must still get final approval following a consultation with the Ministry of Defence, scheduled to end on 4 May.
Adapted from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
