Solar farm proposal to be rejected over concerns for what could be beneath

Plans for a proposed solar farm in an ‘archaeologically sensitive area’ look set to be turned down.

The 75-hectare farm would have been based on either side of Mareham Lane near Scredington, near Osbournby, and could have powered 15,000 homes.

However, North Kesteven council officers said there hadn’t been enough investigation into the area’s archaeology, where prehistoric, Roman and medieval discoveries have been made, Lincolnshire Live reports

The site is also close to the remains of a 14th-century stone cross which likely marked an important boundary.

Peter Grubb, speaking for applicant Mareham Lane Solar Ltd, told a planning committee: “The cross is heavily damaged, and is now just a stump.

“If the application is approved, there will be positive restoration for it.”

However, councillors were concerned that trial trenches hadn’t been dug to determine whether the two patches of land contained important archaeological features.

Mr Grubb said this would be done after permission was given as it was very disruptive, saying this was “the common sense approach”.

Councillor Lindsey Cawrey (Con) said: “It’s clear there are extensive unanswered concerns about the archaeology.

“I’m also concerned about how the archaeology would be treated – we want whoever is on site to respect it.”

Councillor Linda Edwards-Shea (Lab) said: “We have to think about the cumulative impact, with two other solar farms and Anglian Water’s reservoir planned nearby. There will be major changes for residents.