Judicial review into huge solar farm on the cards

A judicial review could be sought into the government's decision to approve proposals for the UK's largest solar farm.

The legal action is being considered by Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council after the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero approved Springwell Solar Farm on 8 April, with ministers saying it would help "bring down bills for good".

Developer EDF said it would cover an area the size of 1,700 football pitches – 1,280 hectares – and incorporate a battery storage facility, providing power for 180,000 homes.

The government said it could not comment on the possibility of a judicial review because it was "a live planning case".

The development, on land near villages between Lincoln and Sleaford, was approved following a public inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate.

But campaigners had raised concerns about the loss of farmland, the impact on the landscape and the safety of the lithium-ion batteries.

The county council said both authorities objected during the planning process because the proposals "did not properly assess" the impacts on rural communities, the landscape and agricultural land.

"Having carefully reviewed the examining authority's report and secretary of state's decision letter, the councils are concerned that the proper process was not followed and are now seeking to challenge the decision legally," a spokesperson said.

County council leader Sean Matthews said: "Following legal advice and a careful consideration of the potential costs and impact, we believe we may have grounds to challenge this decision."

North Kesteven District Council leader Richard Wright said the government's decision-making process was "flawed".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the judicial review would be jointly funded between the two councils and could cost up to £500,000 if they were to lose.

The move is being backed by the Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson, who said: "I am here because my constituents are very clear that they do not wish to have large scale ground-mounted solar farms blighting our countryside and impacting our food security."

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