Plans for two new solar projects are set to go ahead in Lincolnshire, despite local opposition.
The Gate Burton Energy Park application and Mallard Pass Solar Project application have been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Low Carbon is behind the proposals for Gate Burton Energy Park, on land near Gate Burton. Once built, the 500 MW project will provide enough solar capacity to power approximately 160,000 homes with clean, secure electricity. The project will also deliver more than 350 jobs per annum during peak construction.
Welcoming the decision Mike Rutgers, Managing Director of UK Development at Low Carbon, said: “We are delighted that the new Secretary of State has granted consent on the Gate Burton Energy Park, allowing us to progress to the construction phase of the project and reaffirming our position as the market leader for UK solar.
“As Gate Burton progresses, we look forward to continuing to engage closely with local residents, business owners and other key stakeholders to ensure we deliver this project responsibly.”
Mallard Pass Solar Farm is proposed to be located on agricultural land either side of the East Coast Main Line near Essendine, partly situated in South Kesteven, Lincolnshire, and partly in Rutland. Mallard Pass is expected to generate in the region of 350 MW of renewable energy, enough to power the equivalent of 92,000 UK households.
Two senior county councillors have reacted negatively to the news that the new Secretary of State has granted permission for the two solar farms.
Councillor Colin Davie, the county council’s executive councillor for economy and environment, said: “The news that proposals for giant industrial solar parks for both Mallard’s Pass and Gate Burton have been approved is deeply disappointing for all those who will have to live with these huge developments on their doorstep.
“I have repeatedly said that these enormous infrastructure projects should not be dumped in our county, and ruin the quality of life of our residents. Our agricultural land should be protected and it plays a key role in our nation’s food security. But these pleas are not being heard by the Labour government now in charge of environmental policy.”
Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Martin Hill, added: “Be in no doubt that these are huge-scale developments that will change our county landscapes dramatically. Both proposals are expected to cover around 2000 acres each.
“The speed with which these decisions have been taken shows that this government is not prepared to listen to communities, local councils and all those fighting for our countryside. The sheer volume of paperwork associated with these proposals means that in no way could these be seen as carefully considered decisions.”
