Fears grow over solar farm land being converted into housing in Greater Lincolnshire
Concerns rise about the future use of solar farm sites as potential housing developments
Officials in Greater Lincolnshire have expressed concerns that land currently being turned into solar farms could eventually be repurposed for housing developments.
The worries were raised during a meeting of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County’s (GLCCA) overview and scrutiny committee. Members voiced fears about the increasing number of solar farms in the area, suggesting that such sites could attract property developers once decommissioned.
The apprehension centres on the transformation of greenfield land, such as undeveloped farmland, into brownfield status once solar farms are constructed. This reclassification could potentially lead to such sites being earmarked for housing post-decommissioning.
At a meeting on Wednesday, June 10, chair Andy Quarmby, an independent member, said: “We are now planning for a significant amount of greenfield sites, ie farmland, being solar panels.
“When they’ve finished their 25-year period, will those then be brownfield sites?
“Because looking at some of the plans, the entrances that they’re putting in there look as though they’re entrances to estates.
“Just something to ponder because that frees up or takes away an obscene amount of greenfield sites.”
Councillor Philip Roberts, from Lincolnshire County Council, shared the sentiment, pointing out how easily these sites could transition into housing developments after their solar utility expires.
Additionally, members deliberated over ongoing plans by the authority to develop more brownfield sites in Greater Lincolnshire to address housing needs. The GLCCA received £34 million in Government funding to develop new homes on brownfield land, aiming to deliver 1,142 homes by March 2031. £16.5 million has been earmarked for these developments by the end of this financial year, with further allocations planned over the next three years.
The GLCCA is keen to collaborate with local organisations to identify brownfield sites suitable for housing development.