Government approves ‘UK’s largest’ solar farm in Lincolnshire

Plans for a huge solar farm in Lincolnshire have been given approval.

The Tillbridge Solar project, which would cover around 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares), is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning the decision to allow the plan is determined by the government.

The applicants said the scheme – close to the village of Glentworth and south of the A631 between Gainsborough and Caenby Corner – would be able to power about 300,000 homes, making it larger than any currently built.

Opponents have said it would “industrialise the countryside”.

A letter outlining the decision said the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband had concluded the benefits of the proposed development outweighed any potential adverse impacts.

The decision marks the 17th nationally-significant clean energy project approved by the government since July 2024.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Families across Lincolnshire and the rest of the country have seen their energy bills go through the roof as a result of our exposure to volatile gas prices.

“Solar is one of the cheapest and quickest power sources we can build, it is crucial in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower – giving us energy security, good jobs and growth across the country.”

In 2024, the government approved two other major farms in Lincolnshire – Gate Burton in West Lindsey and Mallard Pass in South Kesteven.

In an impact report, West Lindsey, the local authority for the Tillbridge project, highlighted “significant concerns” regarding the cumulative impact of the scheme.

Councillor Tom Ashton, portfolio holder for planning at the neighbouring East Lindsey authority, previously described the project as “the thin end of the wedge of climate madness” and said: “Its scale and mass beggars belief.”

Officials in Lincolnshire have also complained that developments have been unfairly concentrated in the county, with one complaining it was becoming a dumping ground for green energy projects which benefit other parts of the country.

Glentworth resident Lorraine Broadbent said she was frustrated by the decision, knowing “there is nothing we can do about it.

“It will completely change our lives because we love the peace and quiet,” she added.

Alexandra Carter, who moved to the village about a year ago, questioned whether there would be any benefits for local people.

She said she was also worried about the impact on the rural landscape.

“I’m not against solar – I think it’s a good thing – but it’s when it overtakes everything I think it’s a problem.”

Jacqueline Martin said she was concerned about the “destruction” of the countryside and the impact on the peace and quiet of the village.

“If they bring the solar farms here – [and] loads of industry – it’s never going to be the same,” she added.

In a post on X, Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh, whose Gainsborough constituency covers Glentworth, labelled Energy Secretary Ed Miliband “a dictator industrialising the Lincolnshire countryside and ruining food production”.

“He has approved the Tillbridge Solar Project without any local planning input or consent, all subsidised by green taxes. Labour have no understanding of the countryside,” he wrote.

In an interview with BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Sir Edward said solar was the least efficient source of energy.

“They don’t work at night, they don’t work in the winter, or when it’s cloudy, so it’s just frankly ludicrous over the top green madness by Ed Miliband.”

Meanwhile, Greenpeace UK’s senior climate campaigner, Paul Morozzo, welcomed the news, but said the government also needed to end “the rigged system” that enables the price of gas to dictate electricity prices.

“That way we can reap the full financial benefits that solar power can bring,” he added.

The Tillbridge project is a joint venture between renewable energy developers Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy.

It would include infrastructure for connection to the National Grid at Cottam substation in Nottinghamshire.