Solar farm approval may face legal challenge

A council is considering taking legal action after plans for a large-scale solar farm were approved.

Plans for the Beacon Fen Energy Park, near Sleaford, which developers claim could power up to 130,000 homes, were approved by the government last week, despite public concern.

Lincolnshire County Council leader Sean Matthews said the "appalling" decision was "another attack on our beautiful countryside", accusing the government of pushing the project through without proper regard for local opinion.

John Wheadon, from the Planning Inspectorate, said there was an "urgent need" for the proposed development.

However, in an interview with BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Matthews, the council's Reform UK group leader, said: "It's also taking away fertile agricultural land that should be used for food production, not solar panels."

He suggested the UK should instead make greater use of existing oil and gas reserves while investing in alternative long-term energy solutions, including nuclear power and fusion projects such as STEP Fusion.

Matthews said he would seek legal advice on a potential judicial review, while awaiting the outcome of a separate challenge to the Springwell Solar Farm between Lincoln and Sleaford.

Large solar farms are classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), which means they are ultimately decided on by government ministers rather than local councils.

Matthews criticised the process, adding: "These decisions should be put to the people of Lincolnshire so they can decide whether they want these monstrosities across their countryside.

"If Reform were in government, there would not be a penny of government subsidy available for these schemes."

The Planning Inspectorate said local residents, councils and other interested parties were able to take part in a six-month examination process before recommendations were submitted to the government.

As part of the process, the examining authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State, it added.

Developer Low Carbon described the project's approval as a "landmark moment".

Managing director Mike Rutgers said: "The approval sends a clear signal about the importance of accelerating home-grown, clean energy that can play a key role strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth."

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