UPDATE: A controversial solar farm in Lincolnshire could remain operational until 2090, prompting fierce backlash from local residents and officials. The Fosse Green Solar Farm plans to cover approximately 3,000 acres near Witham St Hughs and Thorpe on the Hill, raising urgent concerns about its long-term impact on the rural landscape.
Just announced, Lincolnshire County Council is formally objecting to the proposal, citing fears that it will irreversibly alter the region for generations. The council’s report, set to be submitted to the government, highlights significant issues including the loss of farmland and potential negative effects on mental health.
Residents attended a council meeting to deliver 500 letters opposing the solar farm directly to the Prime Minister. Nick Lyons, chairman of the Thorpe on the Hill Parish Council, voiced strong objections, declaring, “It will industrialise a rural area and consume 51 percent of all land in the parish boundary.” He emphasized the detrimental impact on tourism, stating, “Would you want to come to a place like that?”
The plans, proposed by Windel Energy and Recurrent Energy, include not only solar panels but also a battery farm and cables leading to a new substation in Navenby. The developers assert that the facility could provide power to 110,000 homes, with construction potentially starting in 2031 and energy generation expected to begin in 2033.
Concerned residents are raising alarms about the scale of the project. James Bean described it as “a blight on the landscape,” while Charlotte Vernon warned, “It will be utterly vast… it will irreversibly change our local area forever.” She expressed doubt about the decommissioning process, stating, “We have no idea what the impact of decommissioning will be, as there are no examples to look at.”
Adding to the urgency, Marianne Overton, a local representative, highlighted the environmental risks, stating, “This will see glass and steel concrete marching across productive farmland, swallowing our heritage.”
In a rare voice of support, Labour Councillor Neil Murray argued for the necessity of solar energy, saying, “We all want electricity and know we need to stop using fossil fuels. Lincolnshire needs to do its bit by having some infrastructure.”
As the situation develops, the final decision by the government is expected later this year. Local voices continue to rally against plans that could reshape Lincolnshire’s landscape for decades.
Residents are urged to stay informed and engaged as this critical issue unfolds, with immediate implications for the community’s future.