New large solar project announced for county
Just now
David McKenna
East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
A public consultation has been launched on proposals for a large-scale solar farm in West Lindsey.
Renewable energy developer Elgin said the 99MW Stone Pit Lane Solar Farm, planned on land south of Keelby, could generate enough renewable electricity to power up to 40,000 homes.
The company said it was seeking feedback from residents before submitting a planning application to West Lindsey District Council.
The consultation runs from 12 November to 10 December, with drop-in sessions taking place at Keelby Village Hall on 18 and 19 November.
According to the developer, the scheme would help increase Britain's supply of renewable energy, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and support energy security.
The company has also pledged to establish a Community Benefit Fund to support local groups and projects, with ideas from residents welcomed during the consultation.
Senior development manager Jamie Andrews said: "The plans are at an early stage, meaning the design is evolving and local expertise will play an important role in determining the final scheme."
The latest proposals follow a series of major solar development plans across Lincolnshire.
Earlier this year,plans for a solar farm near Keelby and Healingwere approved by North East Lincolnshire Council, despite objections from local residents, as well as Healing Parish Council and Keelby Parish Council.
The site is located in two council areas and a planning application has also been approved by West Lindsey District Council, subject to conditions.
Meanwhile, a legal challenge to the UK's largest currently approved solar farm has been rejected by the High Court.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) approvedSpringwell Solar Farm, between Lincoln and Sleaford, in April, saying it would help "bring down bills for good".
Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council sought to overturn the decision, arguing the project would harm rural communities and landscapes.
County council leader Sean Matthews said he was "bitterly disappointed" by the outcome.
"We've got to think of food security and this government just don't do that," he said.
"They're just going to be covering more and more of our good, most versatile land with solar panels."
Springwell is classed asa Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), meaning it required government approval.
Smaller projects can be decided locally.
In August, one farmertold the BBChe had no choice but to turn to solar in order to survive.
Matthews said he was "all for solar panels", adding: "I just don't want them on our farmland."
He said more needed to be done to support struggling farmers to ensure growing crops remained a viable business.
"That's a bigger discussion that we need to have with supermarkets," he added.
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