Councils look to challenge decision on Springwell solar farm
The solar farm would create what is set to be the UK's largest
Last updated 24th Apr 2026
Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council are taking legal action to challenge the approval of the proposed Springwell Solar Farm.
The project, approved by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on 8 April, would create what is set to be the UK's largest solar farm in terms of power generation.
The site would cover around 1,280 hectares of land near Scopwick in North Kesteven.
According to the developer, it could power more than 180,000 homes a year, the equivalent of half the homes in Lincolnshire.
Both councils strongly opposed the plans during the consultation process.
They raised concerns about the impact on rural communities, the local landscape, and the loss of agricultural land.
After reviewing the decision, the councils say they are "concerned that the proper process was not followed".
They are now asking the courts for permission to challenge it.
If that application is successful, the councils could then go ahead with a full judicial review.
Council leaders' reactions
Cllr Sean Matthews, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council leader, said: “Following legal advice and a careful consideration of the potential costs and impact, we believe we may have grounds to challenge this decision."
Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council said: “In any planning decision, weighing and balancing competing issues is fundamental to coming to a decision.
"In this case, it appears that because of process and procedural flaws, the wrong weight has been applied leading to a decision that is arguably unsound”.
Government response
Springwell is the 25th nationally significant clean energy project approved by the Government since it came into office.
Energy minister Michael Shanks previously said: “We are driving further and faster for clean homegrown power that we control to protect the British people and bring down bills for good.
“It is crucial we learn the lessons of the conflict in the Middle East – solar is one of the cheapest forms of power available and is how we get off the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets and secure our own energy independence.”