Solar farm cable route plans approved despite objections regarding the loss of agricultural land and traffic at Bicker

Plans to dig a solar farm cable route have been approved - despite objections regarding the loss of agricultural land and traffic issues.

AGR Solar 3 Ltd have been given the thumbs up to carry out the work which will link the Little Hale Fen solar site in North Kesteven to Bicker Fen substation.

Earlier this month Boston Borough Council’s planning committee approved three Battery Energy Storage Systems applications on a total 50 acres of land within the Bicker parish.

“The site to which the application relates includes the Bicker Fen Substation, part of Vicarage Drove leading northeast from the substation and then Bicker Drove which leads northwest to the South Forty Foot Drain,” the Boston Borough Council planning officer’s report says.

“Due to the nature of the application, the site is predominantly the verge along the highway.

“The area in general has been subject to a number of renewable energy projects, including wind and solar farms.

“There are limited dwellings within close proximity, however the village of Bicker is located to the south.

“The South Forty Foot Drain is a designated Local Wildlife Site. The area, in general, is flat and is agricultural in its nature.”

Objections were received from Boston Borough councillor James Cantwell, who has raised concerns regarding the use of Cowbridge Road for the development, plus three letters from the public.

Their concerns highlighted rises in the volume of traffic, the loss of agricultural land, a cumulative impact with several other solar farms in the immediate and an adverse impact on a designated wildlife area.

Five letters of support were also received, arguing the project was crucial for the renewable business, creating jobs during construction and ensuring money circulates in the local community.

In consultation BBC’s forward plans officer said: “The only impact of the solar farm on the borough is the cable connection to the Bicker Fen National Grid substation.

“This runs along the road sides of Bicker Drove and Vicarage Drove and will cause temporary impact during excavating the trench, installing the cable(s) and refilling the trench.”