More than 100 residents gathered at the Lincolnshire Showground on Tuesday in a final bid to halt plans for what would be the UK’s largest solar farm development.
The proposed 3,000-acre Tillbridge Solar Farm, planned near the West Lindsey villages of Glentworth and Fillingham, has sparked fierce opposition from local communities.
The meeting with Government planning inspectors marked residents’ last opportunity to voice their concerns before a recommendation is made to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
Local campaign groups and residents made emotional appeals during the hearing, with many claiming the development would devastate their rural way of life.
Some of the land earmarked for the project
Google Street View
The project has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about large-scale solar developments in the area.
Liz Garbutt from the 7,000 Acres campaign group warned inspectors about the unprecedented scale of development in the area.
“This area faces not one but multiple developments on a scale this country has never seen before,” she told the meeting, describing the rush to solar energy as a “gross misstep in the quest for decarbonisation”.
Local farmer Sue Bingham voiced her scepticism about the project’s motives.
“Nothing convinces me this makes any sense. I’m not a NIMBY, but I believe this is about massive profits rather than climate change or green energy,” she said.
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The proposed 3,000-acre Tillbridge Solar Farm, planned near the West Lindsey villages of Glentworth and Fillingham
Tillbridge Solar
Margaret O’Grady, Chair of Fillingham Parish Council, highlighted the challenge faced by local opponents.
“7,000 Acres are attempting to [fight back], but what can a few volunteers do against companies spending millions on consultants?” she asked.
In a rare voice of support, local farmer Tim Elwess spoke in favour of the development.
“None of us will be losing our jobs – in fact, solar will be bringing new jobs and opportunities for us,” he told the meeting.
Elwess argued that his current land use was not optimal. “My fields aren’t growing food. It’s mostly wheat for biofuel, and low-intensity grassland solar generation would be a better use of the land,” he said.
However, resident Sean Todd strongly contested these claims.
“The vast majority don’t own farms and won’t benefit in any way. The company will destroy the value of our houses and properties,” Todd responded.
He urged the Government to “look at the application with common sense”.
The project (not pictured) has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about large-scale solar developments in the area
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Alexis Coleman, representing developer Tillbridge Solar Ltd, defended the project at the meeting.
“This project will make a substantial contribution to our renewable energy needs and energy security,” she said, arguing that benefits would outweigh any negative impacts.
Her presentation was interrupted several times by a heckler who was eventually asked to leave the meeting.
Despite requests for quiet, residents frequently broke into applause following speeches opposing the development.
Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh also joined remotely to voice his opposition to the plans.
Further hearings on specific aspects of the application will be held this week, with a final decision expected later this year.
