The Energy Secretary approved Tillbridge Solar farm near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire on Tuesday. Once operational, the site will generate enough renewable electricity for up to 300,000 homes when the sun is shining.
The solar farm is controversial among local people and is opposed by Lincolnshire county council and by the district councils.
Opponents object to the destruction of farmland, the “industrialisation” of a quiet rural area and the loss of treasured landscapes.
They fear that the approval will open the way for the land to be developed into factories and housing once the solar farm reaches its end of life in two to three decades.
Sean Matthews, the leader of Reform-controlled Lincolnshire County Council, said Mr Miliband was “hell-bent on this vandalism of our countryside”.
The proposed Tillbridge Solar project would cover about 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares), making it larger than any existing solar farm in Britain.
It would be located near the village of Glentworth, near Gainsborough, between three other large solar farms that are either already approved or are seeking the green light.
The project is a joint venture between London-based Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy, which is ultimately owned by Canadian Solar.
Mr Miliband has made clear his strong support for expanding solar. After taking office following last year’s general election, he approved a series of major solar developments. They included Gate Burton, Cottam and Mallard Pass, all in Lincolnshire, plus Sunnica on the Cambridge-Suffolk border...<<<Read More>>>...
