Lincolnshire County Council has launched a High Court challenge against the Government's approval of a solar development.
The 700-hectare-plus scheme, featuring solar panels, battery storage and a substation, was approved by the Energy Secretary on 21 August through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) planning process.
The council argues insufficient weight may have given to the impact on communities, the rural landscape and farmland, and to the cumulative effect of other major solar projects in the county.
Having taken legal advice, it has submitted a judicial review claim. A judge will decide whether the case can proceed to a full hearing.
Council leader Sean Matthews said legal action was not taken lightly but was needed to protect the county's ‘best and most versatile farmland’.
‘Our county is still bearing the brunt of NSIP applications and, with no NSIP application ever being refused in Lincolnshire by successive Governments, it’s important that we take a stand on behalf of our residents and our national food security when we believe we have the grounds to challenge,’ he said.
It is the second such challenge this year, following a joint action with North Kesteven District Council over Springwell Solar Farm.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said: 'The biggest threat to agriculture and nature is the climate crisis.
'Solar is also one of the cheapest and quickest forms of energy to build, helping get bills down for good.'
