A proposed solar farm east of Spalding could cost the South Holland economy up to £76.16 million over 40 years, according to Lincolnshire County Council’s official response to the project.
The Meridian Solar Farm is planned across 2,700 acres at sites north of Crowland and east of Spalding. The proposal would connect to the electricity grid through overhead cables leading to the proposed Weston Marsh Substation.
Because the development has been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, the final decision on whether it goes ahead will be made by the Government. Local councils have been invited to submit their views.
What the county council’s response says
Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning and Regulation Committee was due to ratify the authority’s response at a meeting on Monday, September 7. The document sent to councillors runs to 281 pages and 110,148 words, and includes reports from consultants commissioned to assess the potential effects on the area.
The response questions why the proposed site was not located closer to the Weston Marsh grid connection. It also challenges the way potential sites were selected, saying the search appeared to focus on landowner willingness and availability rather than proximity to the grid or other environmental constraints.
“It is reasonable to conclude that the area of search used for sites was more a function of landowner willingness and land availability discussions at the time rather than proximity to the grid connection point or consideration of any other environmental constraint,”
the response says.
It also raises concerns about the scale of the project and its effect on the appearance and character of the landscape.
“The development’s mass and scale: The development has the potential to transform the local landscape by altering its character on a large-scale across an extensive area.”
Tourism, farmland and local economy concerns
The county council says the development could affect buildings including Crowland Abbey and the wider historic character of The Fens. It also warns that changing the landscape could reduce visitor numbers to attractions such as Springfields and Baytree Garden Centre.
The response estimates that between £57.24m and £76.16m could be lost from the local economy during the solar farm’s proposed 40-year life. The figure does not include any additional value that might be created through the supply chain.
The authority’s assessment also says the whole site should be considered “best and most versatile” arable land. It highlights the potential cumulative effect of several solar applications and raises concerns about the loss of agricultural land.
The report further claims the scheme could adversely affect mental health and wellbeing. It also says the development would harm ecology and could have a “likely significant effect on traffic”, although the county council says its highways authority has not objected at this stage.
Other issues and the developer’s position
The response records uncertainty about electromagnetic fields from the proposed pylons. It also objects on waste-management grounds and raises concerns about Public Rights of Way, citing a lack of clarity about the effects on paths, although it does not specify where footpaths might be blocked.
Downing Renewable Developments, the company behind the plans, says the project would provide cheaper and cleaner energy for 215,000 homes. It is also proposing funds intended to support the local community.
The county committee’s response is part of the consultation process rather than the final decision on the solar farm. As an NSIP, the Government will determine whether the Meridian Solar Farm proceeds.
