The government has given the green light to the contentious Mallard Pass solar farm project, which will span 2,000 acres (8 square kilometres) on the Rutland and Lincolnshire border. The new Secretary of State for Energy, Ed Miliband, approved the project on Friday, sparking a mix of reactions from local residents and politicians.

More than 3,000 people had signed a petition opposing the scheme, arguing it would consume prime farmland. However, the government stated that the potential harm caused by the solar farm would be outweighed by its benefits, which include providing enough clean energy to power approximately 92,000 homes.

Located in Essendine, near Stamford, the solar farm will extend over more than four miles (6.5 kilometres) from end to end and is expected to operate for up to 60 years. The decision on the project had been delayed during the election campaign.

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, who led the opposition to the project, expressed her dismay at the decision. “I am utterly appalled,” she said, hinting at a potential legal challenge. In a post on X, she described the decision as “a slap in the face” and apologized to those who campaigned against it, saying their concerns were “flagrantly dismissed.” Kearns also argued that the loss of farmland threatened the UK’s food security and questioned whether Mr. Miliband had thoroughly reviewed all the documentation.

Despite these objections, David Wagstaff, deputy director for energy infrastructure planning, explained in a letter outlining the decision that Mr. Miliband had considered all representations, including those from Kearns. He stated, “The secretary of state has considered the overall planning balance and has concluded that the public benefits associated with the proposed development outweigh the harm identified and that development consent should therefore be granted.

The Mallard Pass solar farm is deemed a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project due to its scale and significance. Consequently, South Kesteven District Council and Rutland County Council are not authorized to make the final decision on the project’s approval.

As the development moves forward, it remains a polarizing topic, reflecting the broader debate between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of agricultural land.

More from: Business Briefing · Enviroment