Sean Matthews, the leader of Lincolnshire County Council, has publicly opposed the upcoming Tillbridge Solar project, slated to become the UK’s largest solar farm near the village of Glentworth. Despite governmental approval and an expected capacity to supply power to nearly 300,000 homes, Matthews, who heads the council on behalf of Reform UK, labelled the project an act of ‘vandalism’ against Lincolnshire’s landscape. He even threatened to physically obstruct construction equipment to halt the project’s development.
Spanning approximately 3,000 acres, the solar farm has been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, thus the government retains the final decision-making authority. The Tillbridge scheme is one of several renewable energy projects earmarked for Lincolnshire, including additional solar farms and a pylon corridor extending from Grimsby to Norfolk.
Matthews voiced his criticism of the government’s renewable energy strategy, proposing the incorporation of solar panels on new buildings as opposed to using fertile farmland. He also expressed plans to consider legal avenues that could defer the project until potential future political shifts.
The scheme has also elicited concerns from the West Lindsey District Council, which governs the local area of the Tillbridge project. Council leader Jackie Brockway voiced her disappointment with the approval of the project, pointing out the need to conserve agricultural land, especially amidst the existing European turmoil.
Concerns regarding the project’s suitability have also been raised by local campaign group, 7,000 Acres, which represents residents from over 30 villages. The group has advocated for the installation of solar panels on brownfield sites and rooftops as a preferable option.
However, Chris Hewett of Solar Energy UK highlighted the economic and environmental advantages of large-scale solar farms, underscoring their capabilities in delivering cost-effective, clean energy and providing a stable source of income for farmers.
The Tillbridge project is a joint initiative between Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy and is set to connect to the National Grid via the Cottam substation in Nottinghamshire.
This story was sourced from original reporting by www.bbc.com and adapted for The Lincoln Post.
