South Holland District Council approves plans for solar farm in Bicker Fen
A solar farm that aims to power 18,000 homes annually has been approved – despite fears over the loss of prime growing land.
AGR 2 Solar wants to put ‘photovoltaic array, grid connection and access’ on land west of Cowbridge Farm, Bicker Fen.
The application was approved by South Holland District Council’s planning committee on Wednesday. This followed on from a similar approval from the council’s counterparts in Boston the night before – with the plan heard at both authorities as it straddles the boundary of the two.
The scheme includes the introduction of sheep grazing and talks with schools – with long term benefits promised in the quest to cut emissions.
Luke Rogers spoke on behalf of the applicant AGR 2 Solar and said: “AGR is an experienced renewable energy provider which will maximise benefits to the community and education.
“The solar farm can make a meaningful contribution and power 18,000 homes annually, whether existing or new.
“Natural England is satisfied that the land can revert back to agricultural use and there will be an extensive planting scheme.”
Chris Ray, of Ray Farms, will be leasing approximately three hectares to AGR Solar. He told councillors: “I am a custodian of the countryside for the next generation to farm.
“Energy production will keep the business viable and it is not that we want to not grow food.
“It is heavy land to be used by AGR with no premium crops and the feasibility for food production is borderline therefore it can be used for solar panels. It can return to agricultural land and increase wildlife in the area.
“I have no issue with the solar construction project and AGR is keen to employ local people.”
Coun Andrew Woolf said he had no problem with the solar farm but had an issue with the wording that it ‘could’ be returned to agricultural use, arguing it should state that it ‘will be’ returned to agricultural land in 40 years.
A condition on the maintenance agreement of the site was said to be ‘tightly written’ – but concerns were raised that the area should not be a ‘dumping ground’.
Coun Henry Bingham said: “Lincolnshire seems to be inundated – food, electric, water – the whole lot.
“Everything has a right place and I understand the need for renewable energy but keep adding reservoirs, solar panels, transformers and it will end up covering up the best land in the country with stuff.
“When we start running out of food we will be tearing these things out to make more farmland.
“It is the thing of the moment and let’s not have any misconceptions , it is all about money.
“I am all for renewables but where do we draw the line?”
He said he was not against the plan, but added: “Do we just keep on covering up Lincolnshire?”
Coun Gary Taylor was concerned about the height of the three metre panels and use of the word solar ‘farm’.
He said: “Solar farm is misleading – a farm is growing crops for food and grazing animals, let’s be more direct around language.
“South Holland should not be a dumping ground for all these projects, we have had too many recently .
“Lincolnshire is a farming county and that should continue.”
The term ‘installation’ was suggested instead of ‘farm.’
Coun Jack Tyrrell said: “I am not a farmer but personally I don’t see a problem – we’ve got to keep our farms going and if they don’t make money this is a way to help keep the farm as it is and you’re not losing the land – it will be back in 40 years.
“It is making the best use of this piece of land and I am happy to second the recommendation.”