Solar farm approved near Stallingborough
It'll be capable of providing power to over 16,000 homes
Last updated 23rd Apr 2026
Planning approval has been granted by North East Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee for a solar farm capable of providing power to over 16,000 homes. Grange Energy Park is set to be developed on land off Riby Road, Stallingborough, and to the north-east of Keelby.
Stallingborough Energy Project Limited was the applicant, though this is owned by Island Green Power UK Limited, meaning they are the developers behind the scheme. The solar farm also includes a battery energy storage system (BESS) with up to 500MW capacity, located centrally.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee heard that the soil quality on which the solar farm will be developed is largely poorer. There are also plans for sheep grazing alongside it.
“My family have been farming in the area for over 50 years and are committed to the area and care about it deeply,” said Riby Grange Farm’s Harry Burt. The farm operates on approximately 1,600 acres and taking out the 387 acres the solar farm would occupy, will still have over 1,200 acres in agricultural production.
Mr Burt confirmed plans to expand the farm’s sheep, adding: “We are exploring opportunities to graze sheep on the land, retaining some agricultural production alongside energy production.”
Island Green Power’s Nick Bowen said it had over 30 years experience of developing solar projects like this across the UK. He said they had engaged extensively with the local community since 2024.
Feedback resulted in plans for extra tree planting to screen views from Keelby and Stallingborough, and the relocation of the BESS to a central position. There will also be a community benefit fund for Keelby and Stallingborough.
The solar farm will be capable of producing up to 49.9MW electricity, which Mr Bowen said, “That’s enough power for around 16,300 homes.” The scheme also includes plans for a 60 per cent biodiversity net gain, well above planning requirements for 10 per cent.
It came before councillors because of Healing Parish Council’s objection, as well as 19 residents objecting and Lincolnshire County Council’s Cllr James Bean (North Wolds Ward), North East Lincolnshire Cllr Trevor Crofts (Immingham), and Keelby Parish Council. The committee heard that fire safety risk linked to the BESS had been raised among objections. However, a detailed fire risk assessment had been submitted by the applicant, which involved detailed engagement with Lincolnshire and Humberside fire and rescue services.
“The applicant has provided a very detailed landscape visual assessment,” a council officer stated. Efforts had been made to put larger parts of the development in the least sensitive areas and where screened by natural topography.
Councillors also heard from both Mr Burt and Mr Bowen that most of the site is lower quality agricultural land. Mr Burt stated the soil is some of the farm’s heaviest clay land.
The planning committee unanimously approved Grange Energy Park. The development straddles the border of North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey, meaning planning permission is also required from West Lindsey District Council. This remains pending.