Prominent British Politician Sir Edward Leigh played a pivotal role in a recent Open Floor
Hearing addressing the considerable challenges posed by large-scale solar farms in
Lincolnshire.
The public hearing was part of the Examinaton process for the West Burton Solar Park, one
of the four extensive solar farm proposals that could cover over 10,000 acres of land,
spanning from Gringley in the west to Hemswell in the east, and reaching as far south as
Torksey.
In attendance at the Open Floor Hearing for West Burton Solar, Sir Edward Leigh
demonstrated his unwavering commitment to representing the best interests of his
constituents, arguing against the designation of these projects as "nationally significant," he
asserted that “they should undergo the regular planning process, with decisions resting in
the hands of the local community, particularly the people of West Lindsey’’.
He went on to express his concerns that “the four developments proposed for our area must
be considered as one’’, emphasising “that the burden of contending with not just one, but
four Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) is undeniably challenging for the
public – A true David and Goliath story’’.
Additionally, he stressed that “planning policies encourage such developments to be situated
on brownfield sites’’, highlighting the agricultural value of the land, he pointed out that “3b
land is equally productive as 3a for wheat cultivation’’. Expressing scepticism about the
purported benefits, he contended that “these projects primarily favour a select few large
landowners and developers from London, leaving no tangible advantages for the local
population’’.
The significance of Sir Edward Leigh's attendance was further supported by the participation
of concerned residents from more than 30 villages situated in and around the footprint of
the West Burton, Cottam, Tillbridge, and Gate Burton Solar Farm projects. Notably, the
"7000 Acres Group," representing an extensive membership base, was actively present at
the event.
This pivotal public hearing cast a revealing spotlight on the substantial concerns that
surround the development of large-scale solar farms in Lincolnshire. It provided a critical
platform for the local community to voice their opposition and reservations regarding the
potential downsides of such projects.
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