West Lindsey District Council believes planners have failed to give sufficient consideration to its objections to the Gate Burton Energy Park just south of Gainsborough.
The development near the communities of Gate Burton, Knaith Park and Willingham-By-Stow covers about 834 hectares comprising of ground mounted solar panels, battery energy storage, substation and associated infrastructure works.
Specific concerns were raised in relation to the loss of agricultural land and impact on national food security, landscape and visual impact, impact on the local communities and concerns regarding highways implications.
Cllr Emma Bailey, Vice Chair of the council’s Prosperous Communities Committee, said: “The news that the Gate Burton Energy Park has been approved is deeply disappointing. It is clear from the decision report that the impact of this development on our local communities, together with the loss of prime agricultural land has been put to one side and not given due regard.”
Four further solar development proposals for land across West Lindsey are at varying stage of the nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) consenting process.
Cllr Bailey added: “With more proposals in the pipeline the council will be lobbying for the thorough and transparent consideration of the cumulative impacts of the developments, which across our district are significant and disproportionate. The Council do not accept that the benefit of solar development outweighs what are considerable social, economic and environmental impacts for cumulative developments at this scale.
“As a host authority in the consenting process, West Lindsey District Council provided formal relevant representations and a local impact report, highlighting the impact of the development on our communities.”
