A proposed solar farm in rural Lincolnshire has been approved by the government despite public concern. The Beacon Fen Energy Park, near Sleaford, is capable of powering up to 130,000 homes. Approving the project, John Wheadon from the Planning Inspectorate said there was an "urgent need" for the proposed development.
Reacting to the news on social media, Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson, said the approval was "another kick in the teeth for local people who have campaigned tirelessly against it". Developer Low Carbon said the project's approval was a "landmark moment". Managing director Mike Rutgers said: "As one of the first major energy infrastructure decisions taken under the new Secretary of State, the approval sends a clear signal about the importance of accelerating homegrown, clean energy that can play a key role strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth." Rutgers thanked local people for their engagement so far and said the company "look forward to continuing that engagement as we progress the project".
Plans for the project, which would cover an area of land north of Heckington, were submitted in May 2025. Opponents include local couple Mandy Goodhand and Stevie Johnson-Mansley, who described the plans, that they said would leave their rural retirement cottage "surrounded by 15ft (4.5m) solar panels", as "devastating". Large solar farms are classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects,(NSIPS) which means they are ultimately decided on by government ministers rather than local councils.
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