New Solar Farm Planned Near Lincolnshire

A new solar farm has received approval from East Lindsey District Council to be constructed adjacent to existing renewable energy facilities near the Lincolnshire coast. The site, located at the south of Fen Lane in Conisholme, is strategically positioned between Louth and Donna Nook. Renewable energy company Ecotricity has been granted permission to utilize approximately 20.5 hectares of land for ground-mounted solar panels, which are expected to operate for a duration of up to 40 years. The council approved the project on August 2, allowing developers a three-year window to initiate construction. Before work can commence, the local authority must first approve a method statement and an archaeological study. This new solar farm will serve as an extension to the existing renewable energy developments in the area, which include 20 wind turbines established at Fen Farm in 2007 and 5,000 solar panels from the first phase of the Fen Farm Solar project, operational since 2011. The proposed solar farm is projected to have a generation capacity of around 14 megawatts, sufficient to meet the annual energy needs of approximately 6,500 homes. After the 40-year operational period, the land is set to be restored to agricultural use, with enhancements aimed at promoting long-term sustainability. Additionally, the flood risk for the site is deemed low, and there are no public rights of way intersecting the land.