UK’s biggest solar farm gets green light from government

Permission has been granted for the UK’s biggest solar farm near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, that will cover more than 1,200ha of land.

The project, run by Tillbridge Solar, is classified as a nationally significant infrastructure project, and received consent from energy secretary Ed Miliband on Tuesday (14 October).

See also: Developer offers £50,000 to landowners to not object to solar farm

However, the approval has raised concern and drawn strong criticism from rural lobby group CPRE.

CPRE chief executive Roger Mortlock said:

“The approval of a mega solar farm covering an area of high-quality farmland the size of Heathrow Airport highlights a deeply concerning trend: industrialising the countryside with ground-mounted solar while too many rooftops remain unused.

“We don’t need mega solar farms in the countryside.

“Previous CPRE research has shown that installing solar panels on the roofs of suitable domestic and industrial buildings, as well as on car parks, could easily deliver over 60% of the government’s target for solar energy.”

Largest solar farm

The Tillbridge site, located several miles east of Gainsborough, will become one of the largest solar farms in the UK once operational.

The project will generate enough renewable energy to power almost 300,000 homes annually and operate with a 500MW capacity.

Tribus Clean Energy chief executive Luke Murray welcomed the decision:

“We’re delighted to have confirmation that Tillbridge Solar has been granted consent, and we can’t wait for the project to start delivering clean energy for people across the UK.

“As we head to construction, we’re committed to continuing our work with local communities to ensure the project is delivered in a way which respects and works with the area.”

Heated debate

The solar debate is intensifying amid reports that Island Green Power has offered landowners up to £50,000 to secure access for a large solar farm near Chippenham, Wiltshire, on the condition that they do not object to the project.

At the same time, the City of Doncaster Council passed a cross-party motion urging that solar farms be built on sites such as car parks, rather than on farmland.

Meanwhile, a motion to introduce stricter controls on solar farm developments in Rutland was withdrawn following strong opposition from councillors and local farmers.