October 16, 2014 4.15 pm This story is over 113 months old

Two Saxilby solar farms deferred to explore other sites

No for now: Two separate applications for green land solar farms in Saxilby have been deferred.

Two separate applications for green land solar farms in Saxilby have been deferred so that other site options and landscaping can be considered.

The applications submitted by AEE Renewables UK 8 Ltd and RGE Energy Ltd both proposed 20 megawatt farms.

West Lindsey District Council considered the plans at a meeting on October 15.

The first application by AEE proposed a 42 ha site comprised of two separate elements off the B1398 around Burton by Lincoln village and the A15.

The land, which is currently in agricultural use, would form a farm of 2.5m high panels.

A number of objections were filed by local residents and councillors regarding aesthetic implications, the lack of employment prospects and the loss of greenfield land.

This application was deferred for the developer to undertake more research to demonstrate they have looked into previously developed (brownfield) sites, as well as land of a lower agricultural quality.

The second application by RGE Energy was for the construction of a farm on land off Middle Street, Burton-by-Lincoln.

The design extended to 46.5ha in the fields west of the A15 and north of the Lincoln bypass. The fields have been used for a variety of arable crops.

Solar panels with a maximum of 2.2m in height will have been installed with around 5m of separation.

This application also received a number of objections stating that the fertile land should not be taken out of production and the industrial visual impact on the area.

This application was deferred until the developer looks into additional landscaping.