Lincolnshire pylon protesters and campaigners against Cowbit and Holbeach area solar farm want clarity over planning reforms

Campaigners fighting against solar farm and pylon schemes are calling for greater clarity after reforms to the planning system have been announced by new chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Members of the Meridian Action Group, which is battling against a bid to put up a 750MW solar farm on several parcels of land around the Cowbit, Whaplode Drove and Holbeach Drove areas, say they are ‘holding their breath’ until more information is released.

The people who are fighting National Grid’s bid to install pylons along an 87-mile route along the county’s coastline, No Pylons Lincolnshire, feel that a pause is needed.

Labour say ‘sustained economic growth’ is key to improving the country after sweeping to power following the Conservative blood letting at the ballot box after 14 years of governing. Many Lincolnshire Conservatives have retained their seats at the General Election — including South Holland and the Deepings Sir John Hayes, who has seen his majority slashed.

Ms Reeves - who is the first ever female chancellor - announced plans to reform the planning system in order to boost growth which has included ending the ban on onshore wind turbines and ‘giving priority to energy projects in the system to ensure they make swift progress.’

But campaign groups are calling for more information on what the reforms will mean for them. Early signs elsewhere suggests the new government could favour solar farm proposals — with the huge Mallard Pass development being passed already by Ed Miliband.

Co-ordinator of Meridian Action Group, Jane Thompson, said: “We are waiting for a bit more detail.

“We are holding our breath but are really concerned as the area they are talking about opening up is the green belt.

“If they are prepared to build on the green belt then they are not going to worry about building on agricultural land.”

She also said that the group was going to write to the relevant ministers to speak about this project.

A spokesman for No Pylons Lincolnshire said: "Lincolnshire is a special case because of its high-grade arable land. This is land not used for green-belt leisure and pleasure. This is working land which feeds the nation.

“We hope the new Government weighs food security with energy security. We can have both, but not by building energy infrastructure on top-grade arable land. We still live in a democracy, not a dictatorship, and the democratic voice of the people must still be listened to.

“We need more clarity on national infrastructure planning changes as she has avoided any detail. Will we still have public consultations on these major projects?

“We think a pause is sensible so that all options can be independently costed."

The new chancellor is also going to be re-introducing mandatory housing targets and will be writing to planning authorities such as South Holland District Council.

A council spokesperson said: “Our officers are awaiting the release of the full guidance for the government’s proposed reforms, and will work through these in detail to understand the changes and what they will mean for the council’s planning service.”

A spokesman from Ashwood Homes said: “Planning reforms are urgently needed with a requirement to review the local plan every five years with targets for delivering new homes. A five year land supply needs to be monitored yearly and should the district fall below an adequate supply all land in sustainable locations should be considered.

“Once there is adequate supply the property prices will not increase to such a level in recent years and become more affordable for first time buyers wanting to get on the property ladder. An enormous amount of businesses rely on homes being built and will boost growth within the local economy.

“We would welcome the continuation of the stamp duty exemption for first time buyers and a further scheme to help the younger generation get on the property ladder.”

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