Springwell Solar Farm between Navenby, Ashby de la Launde and Metheringham begins public consultation today
A consultation on plans for a major new solar farm - which promises to power the equivalent of half the homes in Lincolnshire - begins today.
Backed by EDF Renewables UK and Luminous Energy, the Springwell Solar Farm proposal aims to annually provide clean energy to over 180,000 homes over a large area between Lincoln and Sleaford.
The site would stretch between Navenby, Ashby de la Launde and Metheringham.
The developers intend Springwell to be a temporary solar farm with a fixed lifespan of 40 years.
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The panels would then be removed, the developers say, and the land would return to agricultural use.
The second stage of public consultation for this Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project starts today (Thursday January 11).
Community and stakeholder input, along with early environmental assessments, has shaped significant updates, including enhanced design offsets from homes and villages and an overall reduction in the area designated for solar panels.
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Running for six weeks until February 22, 2024, the consultation invites the public to contribute their views.
Matthew Boulton, EDF Renewables UK’s Director of Storage, Solar, and Private Wire, emphasises community engagement said: “We are grateful to everyone who shared their views with us earlier this year.
“Feedback will continue to be important as we refine our proposals for Springwell. I encourage everyone to get in touch, meet with us and share their views during the consultation.”
The Springwell Solar Farm team is eager to meet with the public at venues including Scopwick Village Hall, Ashby de la Launde Village Hall, The Venue in Navenby, Metheringham Village Hall, and Blankney Old School.
Exhibitions will take place at the following dates and locations:
• Wednesday, January 24 – Scopwick Village Hall (4pm-8pm)
• Thursday, January 25 – Ashby de la Launde Village Hall (3pm-7pm)
• Friday, January 26 – The Venue, Navenby (12pm-4pm)
• Saturday, January 27 – Metheringham Village Hall (11am-3pm)
• Tuesday, February 20 – Blankney Old School (3pm-7pm)
A dedicated website, www.springwellsolarfarm.co.uk, provides additional information and hosts consultation materials.
The Statement of Community Consultation, outlining Springwell Solar Farm's engagement strategy, is available at key locations including Sleaford Library and The Venue in Navenby.
As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) the plans will not be decided by local council planning departments, although they will still be able to feed into consultation on the plans.
Instead they will go before the Secretary of State for a decision on whether they can go ahead or not.
What do you think of the plans? Share your views in the comments.
