Two local authorities have announced plans to pursue legal action against Labour's decision to approve what is set to become Britain’s largest power‑generating solar installation.
Lincolnshire County Council, which is controlled by Reform UK, and North Kesteven District Council have joined forces to challenge the Springwell Solar Farm project after its approval earlier this month.
Labour granted consent following recommendations from the Examining Authority.
After reviewing the report and the Energy Secretary’s decision letter, both councils said they believe proper procedures may not have been followed.
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The authorities had opposed the plans throughout the consultation and planning stages and are preparing to take their objections to court.
The proposed Springwell Solar Farm would generate 800 megawatts of electricity, supported by battery storage and the infrastructure needed to connect to the national grid.
Located in North Kesteven, the development would cover around 1,280 hectares of Lincolnshire countryside, making it one of the largest schemes of its kind in the UK.
According to the developer, the installation could supply electricity to more than 180,000 households each year — roughly half of all homes in the county.
Lincolnshire councils launch legal challenges against Springwell Solar Farm approval
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The scale of the project has drawn opposition from local representatives, who argue it would significantly alter the surrounding rural landscape.
The scheme forms part of the Government’s wider renewable energy strategy and has been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, requiring ministerial approval rather than local planning consent.
Both councils argue the application did not sufficiently assess the impact on rural communities or the landscape and have raised concerns about the use of high‑quality agricultural land.
Councillor Sean Matthews, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Following legal advice and a careful consideration of the potential costs and impact, we believe we may have grounds to challenge this decision.”
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Springwell Solar Farm is a proposed 800-megawatt project | GOV.UKHe added: “With Lincolnshire bearing the brunt of NSIP applications, it's important we take a stand, and use the appropriate means to try and stop these developments where possible.”
Councillor Richard Wright, leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: “In this case, it appears that because of process and procedural flaws, the wrong weight has been applied, leading to a decision that is arguably unsound.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks defended the approval, saying the Government is accelerating efforts to expand domestic energy generation.
“We are driving further and faster for clean homegrown power that we control to protect the British people and bring down bills for good,” he said.
Mr Shanks added: “It is crucial we learn the lessons of the conflict in the Middle East.
"Solar is one of the cheapest forms of power available and is how we get off the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets and secure our own energy independence.”
Springwell Solar Farm is the 25th major clean energy project to receive Government backing since ministers took office, forming part of a broader push to increase renewable capacity.
Labour said approved schemes are expected to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 12.5 million homes.
The decision also sits within a wider package of measures to expand solar energy, including increasing availability in retail settings, encouraging installation on new‑build homes and bringing forward a renewables auction scheduled for July.
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