In Lincolnshire, a battle is brewing over the UK's largest concentration of approved large-scale solar farms. Six projects capable of producing over 100 MW each have been greenlit by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, more than any other county. This has sparked outrage among residents and local politicians, including Reform councillors, who vow to resist the developments through civil disobedience.
Council leader Sean Matthews, a former royal protection officer, plans to lie down in front of bulldozers to stop solar developers. 'They can arrest me – I've arrested plenty of people,' he said. Fellow Reform councillor Natalie Oliver echoed his defiance: 'I would do anything for my residents … Getting arrested would be a new experience for me, but if that's what it takes, that's what it takes.'
The focus is on the area around Gainsborough, where four large solar farms are planned, including Tillbridge Solar – the largest approved so far, covering 1,400 hectares. Developers are attracted by easy grid connection at the former Cottam coal power station. Residents, however, feel their voices are ignored. Dorne Johnson of the 7000 Acres group, representing 30 villages, said: 'We feel we are being dumped on. We feel we don't have a voice.'
Supporters argue the projects are vital for Miliband's goal of tripling solar capacity by 2030 to create a clean energy superpower. But opponents question the wisdom of placing panels on a cloudy island and worry about loss of farmland and landscape. The clash highlights a growing rift between national renewable targets and local resistance, with Reform UK seizing on the issue to challenge the net-zero agenda.
