Lincolnshire Mayor fights solar farm plans
Dame Andrea Jenkyns says she will not be 'silenced'
The mayor of Greater Lincolnshire has vowed she will ‘not be silenced’ as she tries to fight plans to build a large solar farm.
Dame Andrea Jenkyns (Reform UK) has criticised the Fosse Green solar farm but unable to air her views at a recent public hearing.
The proposed solar farm will cover 2,400 acres near Lincoln and will lie a few miles south-west of the city, close to Thorpe-on-the-Hill, Witham St Hughs and Bassingham.
The project is capable of powering 110,000 homes, according to its developers.
Ms Jenkyns wanted to speak out against the project at a public hearing but was told she couldn’t because she hadn’t registered to do so.
The Reform mayor said: “I may have been stopped from the microphone, but I will not be silenced. I will continue to fight for our farmers, our food security, and our beautiful countryside.
“I will be back in March at the open floor hearing, ensuring your voice is heard and I will also be submitting a letter of objection.”
The Greater Lincolnshire mayor said that the proposed development will “scar” the landscape and warned that it will threaten food security.
She added: “We produce 30% of this nation’s fresh vegetables. You cannot eat solar panels! Covering our prime agricultural land in glass and steel is an act of strategic self-harm.”
The planning inspectorate hearing took place on Tuesday, January 6 at the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln and heard concerns from local people, including from members of Lincolnshire County Council.
A spokesperson for the Planning Inspectorate said: “The deadline to register to speak at the Issue Specific Hearing was Tuesday 30 December 2025.
“Details of how to register to speak at hearings are also published on the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: Advice pages.
“Priority was given to those who had registered to speak. As Dame Andrea Jenkyns had not registered, we suggested two alternative opportunities for her to speak, including speaking later in the day or at subsequent hearings in the near future.”
Fosse Green Energy declined to comment.