The Government has given the go-ahead for the largest solar farm in the country. At 3000 acres, it qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning approval is in the hands of Westminster, rather than local Lincolnshire planners.
Tillbridge Solar Farm marks the 17th nationally significant clean energy project approved by the government since July 2024 – enough clean energy to power the equivalent of over 7.5 million homes. Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband issued a statement explaining that the benefits of the proposed development outweighed any potential adverse impacts.
According to the developers, Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy, the operation is expected to support 1,250 jobs. The developers have committed to ensuring the local community benefits from the project.
The government is also consulting on mandatory community benefits for communities hosting ground-mount solar, meaning families who live near a solar farm would directly benefit through funding that can be spent on local initiatives such as education schemes, sports facilities or improved transport links.
It’s no surprise to see some residents are unhappy with the decision. Speaking to the BBC, one said: “Farmland should be used for growing crops. Another added that she was concerned about the “destruction” of the countryside and the impact on the peace and quiet of the village.
Councillor Tom Ashton, portfolio holder for planning at the neighbouring East Lindsey authority added: “Its scale and mass beggars belief.”
The decision comes on the back of the recent approval of two significant Lincolnshire clean energy projects, Gate Burton Energy Park and Mallard Pass Solar Project.
