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The national planning inspectorate has accepted EDF Renewables UK’s application for a development consent order (DCO) for the Springwell Solar Farm, a proposed 800MW solar and battery storage project. The site would span 1,972 hectares across three areas between Lincoln and Sleaford. Its scale and capacity for up to 800MW of energy import and export classify it as a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP). Following two rounds of public consultation, EDF Renewables made changes to the plans, including increased separation from nearby homes, updates to planting schemes, and adjustments to footpaths. The revised plans also reduce the area covered by solar panels by 27%. The project is now in the pre-examination phase, during which members of the public can submit written views between 15 January and 17 February 2025. Matthew Boulton, director of storage, solar, and private wire at EDF Renewables UK, stated: “Community input has been crucial in helping us to refine our plans for Springwell Solar Farm.” A survey conducted by Survation for EDF Renewables indicated that 77% of respondents believe climate change affects their communities, and 82% expressed support for solar farms like Springwell. The pre-examination phase generally lasts around three months, meaning the project could enter the examination stage by late April. A decision on the application could be reached by the end of the year if the process proceeds without delays. Lincolnshire is also the site of other solar developments, including the 350MW Mallard Pass Solar Farm, which was granted a DCO in 2024. Additionally, Fosse Green Energy Limited plans to submit a DCO application in September 2025 for a solar and storage project 9km southwest of Lincoln, although the project’s size has not yet been confirmed. |
