Government approves ‘UK’s largest’ solar farm in Lincolnshire

Plans for a huge solar farm in Lincolnshire have been given the go-ahead.

The Tillbridge Solar project, which will cover about 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares), is classified as an infrastructure project of national significance, meaning the decision on whether to allow the plan rests with the government.

The applicants said the scheme, located near the village of Glensworth and south of the A631 between Gainsborough and Canby Corner, would be able to supply electricity to around 300,000 homes, making it larger than any other currently built.

Opponents said it would lead to the “industrialization of the countryside.”

The letter outlining the decision said Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband had concluded that the benefits of the proposed project outweighed any potential adverse impacts.

This decision marks the 17th nationally significant clean energy project approved by the government since July 2024.

Energy Secretary Michael Shanks said: “Households in Lincolnshire and the rest of the country have seen their energy bills go through the roof as a result of our exposure to unstable gas prices.

“Solar power is one of the cheapest and fastest energy sources we can build. This is vital to our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, giving us energy security, good jobs and economic growth across the country.”

In 2024, the government approved two other large farms in Lincolnshire – Gate Burton in West Lindsey and Mallard Pass in South Kesteven.

IN impact reportWest Lindsey, the local authority for the Tillbridge project, highlighted “serious concerns” about the cumulative impact of the scheme.

Councilor Tom Ashton, who holds the planning portfolio in neighboring East Lindsey, previously described the project as “the thin end of the wedge of climate madness” and said: “Its scale and widespread appeal beggars belief.”

Lincolnshire officials also complained that developments were unfairly concentrated in the county, with one complaining it was becoming landfill for green energy projects which benefit other parts of the country.

Glensworth resident Lorraine Broadbent said she was disappointed by the decision, knowing “there is nothing we can do about it.

“This will completely change our lives because we love peace and quiet,” she added.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace UK senior campaigner Paul Morozzo welcomed the news but said the government also needed to end the “rigged system” that allows gas prices to dictate electricity prices.

“This way, we can reap all the financial benefits that solar energy can bring,” he added.

The Tillbridge project is a joint venture between renewable energy developers Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy.

It will include infrastructure to connect to the national grid at Cottam substation in Nottinghamshire.