Concerns over ‘nationally significant’ solar farm near Grantham

Concerns have been raised over the impact on the natural countryside of what could be one of the biggest solar farms in Lincolnshire, says the BBC

The Leoda Solar Farm would cover around 2,400 acres of farmland north-west of Leadenham in North Kesteven – the equivalent of 1,360 football pitches.

Developer Telis Energy UK added it would produce between 500 and 600MW, with that level of energy output meaning that the project would be deemed “nationally significant”, and would be determined by Secretary of State for Energy rather than a local council.

Residents have expressed concerns about the loss of food-producing farmland and the natural countryside.

Alex Herbert, the project’s head of planning, said: “As the UK continues its transition towards renewable energy, projects like Leoda Solar Farm are vital.

“This project not only supports national goals for net zero emissions but also provides a significant opportunity to invest in our environment, health, and local communities.

“We are committed to working closely with stakeholders and residents over the coming months to develop a project that benefits both the region and the country as a whole.”

The application would also include a battery system to store the energy generated.

Designs have shown the project would occupy most of the countryside between the villages of Leadenham, Brant Broughton and Welbourn, close to the A17.

The project’s website added its plans were at an early stage and were still subject to change.

The project is the seventh “nationally significant” solar farm in Lincolnshire – four of them already in North Kesteven – which local leaders said was an unfair burden on the county.

A six-week public consultation will begin on 23 January for local community members and other interested parties, with another phase later in the year.