A rebellion is brewing in Lincolnshire against the rollout of large-scale solar farms, with local leaders threatening civil disobedience. Council leader Sean Matthews, a former police officer, has vowed to lie down in front of bulldozers to stop developers. 'They can arrest me – I’ve arrested plenty of people,' he said, adding that the future of the county's land is at stake.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband has approved more large-scale solar farms in Lincolnshire than anywhere else in the UK, with six projects exceeding 100 megawatts already given the go-ahead. The Tillbridge Solar farm, covering 1,400 hectares, is the largest approved so far. Supporters argue this is essential for the UK's clean energy transition, but opponents say it is despoiling the countryside and taking up food-producing land.
Residents in villages like Glentworth feel ignored by the planning process. Dorne Johnson of the 7000 Acres group, which represents 30 villages, said: 'We feel we are being dumped on. We feel we don’t have a voice.' The area around Gainsborough is a focal point for solar development due to its proximity to the National Grid at the former Cottam coal power station.
Reform councillor Natalie Oliver is also prepared to be arrested in protest. 'I would do anything for my residents … we are 100% committed,' she said. The battle highlights a growing divide between clean energy ambitions and local opposition, with Nigel Farage's anti-net zero movement gaining influence in the region.
