Reform and Tory councils lose High Court bid to halt construction of UK’s largest solar farm

Two councils have failed in a High Court bid to challenge government approval of the Springwell Solar Farm in Lincolnshire, clearing the way for the project to proceed. The ruling matters because the 800-megawatt development is set to become the UK’s largest power-generating solar farm.

Reform UK-run Lincolnshire County Council and Conservative-led North Kesteven District Council argued that the government had not properly assessed effects on rural villages, landscapes and high-quality farmland. Mr Justice Kimblin ruled that claims of a procedural defect were not arguable. The 1,280-hectare site, which includes battery storage, is expected to generate enough electricity for 180,000 homes.