A solar farm which would power 15,000 homes could be built near Grantham.
South Kesteven has submitted its thoughts on the proposal which lies just over the border in the Belvoir Estate.
The 40-year project would generate nearly 50 megawatts of renewable energy.
South Kesteven District Council wants guarantees that Grantham canal, which it borders, wouldn’t be affected by the development.
It has submitted its reply to the project’s consultation.
“It should be clearly demonstrated that the proposal would not lead to any unacceptable risk to ecology, flood risk, water resources and water quality of the canal. Further, the solar farm should not be a barrier to developing the canal’s recreational, nature conservation, heritage, and tourism potential,” the council has said.
Plans for a 50MW solar farm in the Belvoir estate | Photo: JBM Solar
“In terms of highways impacts, these are most likely to be significant during the construction and decommissioning phases of the development.
“Lincolnshire County Council (as local highway authority) should be consulted to understand any impacts that may affect the South Kesteven highway network.”
It requested that Melton Borough Council considers the application’s visual impact on South Kesteven, particularly on listed and sensitive buildings.
The site within the Belvoir Estate is currently farming land to the north of the castle. It lies between Bottesford, Easthorpe and Muston.
As a result of the comments by SKDC and other local bodies, Melton Borough Council have said that an environmental impact assessment will be needed before a full application is submitted.
JBM Solar, who are behind the project, say: “The site has been carefully selected as part of a detailed feasibility process. Consideration has been given to, amongst other things; grid capacity, solar irradiation, environmental designations, cultural heritage, ecology/bi-diversity, flood risk and agricultural quality.”
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Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) has confirmed plans to jet-wash blocked gullies in Leadenham following persistent flooding, which has left residents and businesses in constant fear of property damage during heavy rainfall.
The council intends to jet the A607 outside Leadenham Post Office as an urgent measure to mitigate ongoing flood risks, with a full clean scheduled for January. The announcement comes after a plea from Leadenham Parish Councillor Martyn Everett, who highlighted significant flooding along Sleaford Road.
A senior lecturer recently celebrated the news that East Midlands Railway will increase its train capacity on what he felt was an “overcrowded” service between Lincoln and Leicester.
Amir Badiee lives in Loughborough and for the past seven years has been commuting to his job at the University of Lincoln, but over the last two years he believes the train service has got worse. When he complained back in March he said he didn’t receive any response, but he believes his recent concerns aired in The Lincolnite helped to prompt a positive outcome.
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