'Not one' resident in favour of major solar farm plans

RESIDENTS whose lives could be transformed by a huge solar farm say they hope public hearings haven't been just a 'listening exercise'.

- BY JAMIE WALLER Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for the Springwell solar farm in North Kesteven have been under scrutiny by government-appointed planning inspectors for the last few days.

Dozens of local people attended the hearings at the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln, with every speaker united in opposition to the proposals. The development would cover land the size of 2,800 football pitches near Navenby, split into three sections.

Developers EDF Renewables UK and Luminous Energy say it would power 180,000 homes and help the transition to renewable energy, but they faced strong opposition from local residents.

Marc Williams, who leads the Springwell Solar Farm Action Group, said after the hearings: "The community are so concerned about this. We usually get two or three people at parish council meetings - whenever this is on the agenda, 70 or 80 will turn up. Everyone's against it, apart from those who will profit.