Challenge to UK's largest solar farm plan rejected

A legal challenge to the UK's largest currently approved solar farm has been rejected by the High Court.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) approved Springwell Solar Farm, between Lincoln and Sleaford, in April, saying it would help "bring down bills for good".

Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council sought to overturn the decision, arguing the project would harm rural communities and landscapes.

County Council leader Sean Matthews said he was disappointed with the decision, while developer EDF said it was pleased, adding it would "make important contributions to the UK's security of electricity supply".

Developer EDF said the 800 MW project, which will cover 1,280 hectares (3,163 acres), would provide a major contribution to the UK's future energy mix, powering 180,000 homes.

Earlier this year, the councils launched a claim for a judicial review of the government's decision to approve the plans.

Judicial reviews are court proceedings that examine the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body, according to the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.

On Wednesday, the High Court dismissed the councils' request to move forward with a judicial review.

Matthews said: "Given the size of this development, I'm disappointed that our councils will not have the opportunity to present a case at a full hearing.

"The impact of this development won't be felt in London, where all these decisions have been made. Rather, residents across dozens of rural communities now face the likelihood of huge industrial solar farms appearing on their doorstep.

"Despite the outcome, we firmly believe that standing up for our communities is the right thing to do."

Leader of North Kesteven District Council, Richard Wright, added: "It was a course of action we pursued with our communities foremost in our minds and, while I am disappointed at the outcome, I am pleased that we stood up for them in this way."

A spokesperson for Springwell Solar Farm said the company was pleased the legal challenge had been dismissed.

"Springwell Solar Farm will make important contributions to the UK's security of electricity supply and net zero goals," they said.

They added the farm would "create up to 600 jobs during the peak of construction, as well as introducing a community benefit fund for the lifetime of the project that will be used to support local communities and initiatives near to the site".

A DESNZ spokesperson said: "We welcome this decision. Solar is one of the cheapest and quickest forms of energy to build, helping get bills down for good."

The development is one of several large solar farms to be given permission in the county.

A separate legal challenge against the Beacon Fen Solar Farm. near Sleaford, was announced by Lincolnshire County Council last month.

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