West Lindsey District Council has formally lodged an objection to the proposed Tillbridge Solar Project, urging the Secretary of State for Energy security and Net Zero, to refuse development consent over serious concerns over the project’s landscape impact, visual effects, and potential implications for local communities.
The Tillbridge Solar Project is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and therefore not decided through the normal local planning processes, which means that the council is not the decision-making body for this application. It is decided by the Secretary of State, following a six-month examination by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate, whether to grant a Development Consent Order.
The project which includes solar PV arrays, electrical substations, battery energy storage systems, and a cable route corridor connecting to the National Grid Cottam Substation, is currently one of five NSIP solar developments being proposed for development in the district.
West Lindsey District Councillor Lesley Rollings said: “We are committed to our role as the host authority, working to ensure that our communities are informed and involved. We urge residents to engage in the Open Floor Hearing, where they can express their perspectives and learn more about the potential impact of the Tillbridge Solar Project.
“The Council will continue its efforts to advocate for responsible development in West Lindsey, balancing renewable energy needs with the preservation of local landscape, heritage, and community integrity.”
In a written statement, the council asserts that the project does not align with key local and national policies meant to safeguard the district’s environment and community well-being.
In related news, the council has welcomed a recent decision by the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero to delay until the end of January the final decision on the West Burton Solar Project.
This delay, announced via a statement in Parliament earlier this month, follows objections from the council and Historic England concerning the impact of that project on heritage sites, including the medieval Stow Park Deer Park and the setting of the Bishop’s Palace. It underlines the importance of thoroughly assessing solar projects to ensure they align with environmental and heritage protections.
The Secretary of State has requested that the developer make adjustments, including removing panels from these sensitive areas. The council will submit further comments on these matters by the December 9 deadline for public feedback.
