Plans for solar farm on Holbeach St Marks agricultural land meet with resistance from residents

Plans to create a solar farm in the Holbeach area have been met with local resistance.

Residents living close to the site have received a letter from London-based AAH Consultants concerning the plot, which is currently used as farmland and situated to the east of Middle Marsh Road, Holbeach St Marks.

The site - approximately 200 acres in size - is understood to be owned by the Mary Bass Trust.

Plans for the solar farm were handed to the Spalding Guardian by an anonymous resident who described the proposals as ‘not wanted’.

South Holland District Council deputy leader Coun Nick Worth, who represents Holbeach Hurn, confirmed he had received complaints about the proposals.

“I’ve had a few residents come to me about it,” he said, revealing he would be opposed to the plan.

“My view is that the land being used for food production is more important than the production of solar energy, which goes into the National Grid. It has local benefits.

“There will also be local people who work on the land.

“From my perspective I won’t be supporting it. I can say that as I’m not on the planning committee.”

A letter sent to residents read: “AAH Consultants intend to submit a planning application, on behalf of our (unnamed) client, to South Holland District Council for a solar farm, and are seeking your comments on the proposal.

“The proposal includes the construction and operation of a solar installation that will connect to the local electricity network and will comprise solar arrays, solar inverters, a small substation, and associated works, including landscaping.”

It is also stated that landscaping work will ‘screen the site from residential properties and minimise the impact of the surroundings’.

“The solar farm would be set back from residential properties, which would further limit the views of the development within the local area,” the letter continued.

The agricultural land is Grade One standard, which means ‘excellent quality’ and Coun Worth believes the current occupants will struggle to find a site as large or up to a similar standard.

We have approached AAH Consultants for comment.

The plans have not yet been formally lodged with South Holland District Council.