West Lindsey District Council has formally lodged an objection to the proposed Tillbridge Solar Project in the district.
The council is urging the Secretary of State for Energy security and Net Zero, to refuse development consent due to serious concerns over the project’s landscape impact, visual effects, and potential implications for local communities.
As previously reported, the Tillbridge Solar Project is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). Therefore, it is not decided through the normal local planning processes, which means that the council is not the decision-making body for this application. It is decided by the Secretary of State, following a six-month examination by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate, whether to grant a Development Consent Order (DCO).
The project which includes solar PV arrays, electrical substations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and a cable route corridor connecting to the National Grid Cottam Substation, is currently one of five NSIP solar developments being proposed for development in the district.
Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee at West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Lesley Rollings said:
“We are committed to our role as the host authority, working to ensure that our communities are informed and involved. We urge residents to engage in the Open Floor Hearing, where they can express their perspectives and learn more about the potential impact of the Tillbridge Solar Project.
“The Council will continue its efforts to advocate for responsible development in West Lindsey, balancing renewable energy needs with the preservation of local landscape, heritage, and community integrity.”
In a written statement, the council asserts that the project does not align with key local and national policies meant to safeguard the district’s environment and community well-being.
In its assessment, the council has identified multiple areas of concern:
- Impact on Landscape Character: The council is concerned that the solar project will significantly disrupt the unique landscape character of West Lindsey, with effects that conflict with established policies for preserving the area’s natural beauty and heritage.
- Visual Disruption: The council believes that the scale of the solar installations will have a substantial visual impact, diminishing the scenic qualities and rural charm that define the area.
- Community Impact and Awareness: Members of the council have raised concerns that local communities may not fully grasp the scale and potential effects of the development. Despite efforts to inform the public, members worry that the low number of public complaints and a lack of engagement at prior examinations may indicate an incomplete understanding of the project’s implications.
The local authority is encouraging residents to learn more about the Tillbridge Solar Project and make their voices heard in the upcoming Open Floor Hearing, scheduled for the week commencing 13 January 2025.
Residents interested in participating in the hearing can find information, including how to register, on our dedicated webpage: Solar Development Proposals for West Lindsey | West Lindsey District Council.
In related news, the council has welcomed a recent decision by the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero to delay the final decision on the West Burton Solar Project decision, until 24 January 2025.
This delay, announced via a statement in Parliament on November 6, follows objections from the council and Historic England concerning the impact of that project on heritage sites, including the medieval Stow Park Deer Park and the setting of the Bishop’s Palace. It underlines the importance of thoroughly assessing solar projects to ensure they align with environmental and heritage protections.
The Secretary of State has requested that the developer make adjustments, including removing panels from these sensitive areas. The council will submit further comments on these matters by the December 9 deadline for public feedback.
