Solar farm approved despite public objection

The Beacon Fen Energy Park, near Sleaford, is capable of powering up to 130,000 homes.

Approving the project, John Wheadon from the Planning Inspectorate said there was an 'urgent need' for the proposed development.

Reacting to the news on social media, Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson, said the approval was 'another kick in the teeth for local people who have campaigned tirelessly against it'.

Developer Low Carbon said the project's approval was a 'landmark moment'.

Mandy and Stevie say they did not know about the plans for a solar project when they bought their home.

Plans for the project, which would cover an area of land north of Heckington, were submitted in May 2025.

The Beacon Fen Energy Park, near Sleaford, is capable of powering up to 130,000 homes. Approving the project, John Wheadon from the Planning Inspectorate said there was an 'urgent need' for the proposed development.

Reacting to the news on social media, Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson, said the approval was 'another kick in the teeth for local people who have campaigned tirelessly against it'.

Developer Low Carbon said the project's approval was a 'landmark moment'.

Mandy and Stevie say they did not know about the plans for a solar project when they bought their home. Plans for the project, which would cover an area of land north of Heckington, were submitted in May 2025.

Local couple Mandy Goodhand and Stevie Johnson-Mansley described the plans as 'devastating' due to the large number of solar panels that would be installed on their rural retirement cottage. The Beacon Fen Energy Park is part of a larger initiative to accelerate homegrown, clean energy in the UK.

Large solar farms are classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPS), which means they are ultimately decided on by government ministers rather than local councils. The approval sends a clear signal about the importance of accelerating homegrown, clean energy that can play a key role strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth.

Retired couple 'devastated' by solar farm plans. Miliband 'took no part' in solar farm approval. Solar farms are 'slap in the face' - councillor. Existing article highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

The Beacon Fen Energy Park, near Sleaford, is capable of powering up to 130,000 homes. Approving the project, John Wheadon from the Planning Inspectorate said there was an 'urgent need' for the proposed development.

Reacting to the news on social media, Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson, said the approval was 'another kick in the teeth for local people who have campaigned tirelessly against it'.

Developer Low Carbon said the project's approval was a 'landmark moment'. Mandy and Stevie say they did not know about the plans for a solar project when they bought their home.

Plans for the project, which would cover an area of land north of Heckington, were submitted in May 2025. Local couple Mandy Goodhand and Stevie Johnson-Mansley described the plans as 'devastating' due to the large number of solar panels that would be installed on their rural retirement cottage.

The Beacon Fen Energy Park is part of a larger initiative to accelerate homegrown, clean energy in the UK. Large solar farms are classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPS), which means they are ultimately decided on by government ministers rather than local councils.

Retired couple 'devastated' by solar farm plans. Miliband 'took no part' in solar farm approval. Solar farms are 'slap in the face' - councillor.

Existing article highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

The Beacon Fen Energy Park, near Sleaford, is capable of powering up to 130,000 homes. Approving the project, John Wheadon from the Planning Inspectorate said there was an 'urgent need' for the proposed development.

Reacting to the news on social media, Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson, said the approval was 'another kick in the teeth for local people who have campaigned tirelessly against it'.

Developer Low Carbon said the project's approval was a 'landmark moment'.

Mandy and Stevie say they did not know about the plans for a solar project when they bought their home. Plans for the project, which would cover an area of land north of Heckington, were submitted in May 2025.

Local couple Mandy Goodhand and Stevie Johnson-Mansley described the plans as 'devastating' due to the large number of solar panels that would be installed on their rural retirement cottage. The Beacon Fen Energy Park is part of a larger initiative to accelerate homegrown, clean energy in the UK.

Large solar farms are classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPS), which means they are ultimately decided on by government ministers rather than local councils. Retired couple 'devastated' by solar farm plans. Miliband 'took no part' in solar farm approval. Solar farms are 'slap in the face' - councillor.

Existing article highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.