Solar Farm Fight: Appeal Succeeds Over Ancient Finds

Plans for a 75-acre solar farm in Scredington, near Sleaford, have been approved after an appeal against the initial refusal by North Kesteven District Council. The council had cited insufficient investigation of the archeologically sensitive site as its reason for rejection in March. However, the developer, Mareham Lane Solar Ltd, lodged an appeal in September, providing new archaeological data to the Planning Inspectorate.

The appeal process will now move to a public inquiry scheduled for February 3. Objections during the initial planning stages highlighted discoveries of prehistoric, Roman, and medieval artifacts in the area, raising fears of more buried historical evidence. Local councillors expressed disappointment, with one calling the process a "sham" and another concerned about public trust being undermined by the acceptance of new evidence.

Despite the ongoing concerns regarding the historical significance of the land, council officials acknowledged that, with the new information, they may lack a strong planning basis to continue opposing the project. Fighting the appeal further was deemed potentially costly and complex, with officers advising against it. The solar farm, if completed, is projected to generate enough electricity to power 15,000 homes.