Councils launch judicial review challenge over ministerial approval of largest solar farm in UK

On 8 April, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, approved plans for Springwell Solar Farm which would cover 1,280 hectares of land near Scopwick.

The two local authorities had argued that the application did not properly assess the impacts on rural villages and landscapes or adequately consider the cumulative impact of developments in Lincolnshire.

After receiving the Government's response to their pre-action letter, the councils have now issued proceedings. A judge will consider this and decide whether there are arguable grounds for the claim to proceed beyond the permission stage to a full hearing.

Cllr Sean Matthews, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is an important milestone in our journey towards a Judicial Review, marking the first contact with the High Court regarding this case.

“As this now progresses to a live legal issue, we’ll not be offering a running commentary on proceedings but will instead be fully focused on supporting our legal team so that we have the best opportunity for a positive outcome in this case.”

Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: “It is our view, from reading the Secretary of State’s published decision, that decisions and comments had been made that are contrary to what we believe to be sound decision-making and that these should be challenged, not only for this decision, but also with a mind to the fact that we still have other outstanding Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project proposals and applications across the wider area. That is why together the County and District councils are taking this action, on nine points.

“It is important that people know that this will come at a cost, which we will share, but to not take this action was not considered to be in the interests of our residents.”