Lincolnshire councils have formally lodged a claim for a Judicial Review against the Government’s decision to approve what would become the UK’s largest solar farm.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero gave the green light to Springwell Solar Farm on 8th April. The proposed development would span 1,280 hectares of land near Scopwick in North Kesteven.
Local authorities have opposed the project throughout the application process. Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council raised concerns that the proposal failed to properly assess the impact on rural villages and landscapes. They also argued that it did not adequately consider the cumulative effect of multiple developments across Lincolnshire, which are consuming high-grade agricultural land.
In April, lawyers representing both councils sent a letter before action to the Government and Springwell Energy Farm Ltd., marking the initial step toward a Judicial Review. The claim has now been formally submitted to the High Court. A judge will review the case and determine whether there are sufficient grounds for it to proceed beyond the permission stage to a full hearing.
Cllr Sean Matthews, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: ‘This is an important milestone in our journey towards a Judicial Review, marking the first contact with the High Court regarding this case.
‘As this now progresses to a live legal issue, we’ll not be offering a running commentary on proceedings but will instead be fully focused on supporting our legal team so that we have the best opportunity for a positive outcome in this case.”
Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: ‘It is our view, from reading the Secretary of State’s published decision, that decisions and comments had been made that are contrary to what we believe to be sound decision-making and that these should be challenged, not only for this decision, but also with a mind to the fact that we still have other outstanding Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project proposals and applications across the wider area. That is why together the County and District councils are taking this action, on nine points.’
Wright acknowledged that the action would involve shared costs but stated that failing to challenge the decision was not considered to be in the best interests of local residents.
Photo: Mariana Proença
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