Residents living near Navenby, Lincolnshire, have voiced their anxieties at a public hearing regarding the planned Springwell solar farm. This ambitious scheme, which is proposed to cover an area equivalent to 2,800 football pitches, is estimated to supply energy to 180,000 homes. The project is under the supervision of EDF Renewables UK and Luminous Energy. However, despite the potential contribution of the project to renewable energy, it has met with opposition from local inhabitants. Many locals congregated at the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln to express their objections.
Marc Williams, the spokesperson for the Springwell Solar Farm Action Group, shed light on the community’s fervent objection, noting the abnormally high attendance at meetings discussing the project. Rob Kendrick, a Conservative councillor, voiced these concerns as well, indicating that Lincolnshire’s reputation as the ‘county of big skies’ could be replaced with a new moniker — ‘county of big solar’.
In defence, the project’s representatives laid stress on the vital role of the site’s size for commercial feasibility, while also reassuring that the design sidesteps Grade One farmland. Rory Carmichael, the project development manager, pointed out that alterations have been incorporated following discussions with the community.
The planning inspectorate will carefully consider public opinion and make a recommendation to the government, with a final judgment expected by spring 2026.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
