Councils lose High Court bid against UK's largest solar farm approval in Lincolnshire
Legal challenge fails over concerns about rural impact and land use.
Two councils have been unsuccessful in their High Court challenge against the Government’s approval of Springwell Solar Farm, the UK’s largest power-generating solar project.
Reform-run Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council sought to contest the project, arguing that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero did not fully assess the impacts on rural landscapes or the use of essential agricultural land.
The Government granted planning consent for the 800-megawatt solar farm and battery storage in North Kesteven in April, aiming to power 180,000 homes, equivalent to half the homes in Lincolnshire.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the councils alleged procedural mishandling of the planning process but Mr Justice Kimblin ruled that their claims were "not arguable."
While acknowledging the potential frustration for the councils and their supporters, the judge noted the benefit of Wednesday's proceedings in expressing their concerns.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero successfully defended the challenge, paving the way for the project’s continuation.