Plans for large-scale solar farm approved

Plans for a large-scale solar farm in North East Lincolnshire have been approved, despite objections from residents.

One Planet submitted a proposal for a 49.9MW solar farm on agricultural land off Margaret Street, Immingham.

The proposals also include the installation of a battery energy storage system (BESS).

Objections included the potential for noise from the battery storage facility, loss of agricultural land and the impact on the landscape.

Councillors were told the solar farm and BESS would cover about 182 acres (74 hectares) of the 232-acre (94-hectare site), with the remainder set aside for landscaping.

One written objection stated "there were enough solar panels in Immingham", adding that the land should be used for crops.

However, a report stated the land was not "the best and most versatile agricultural land", in part due to the wetness of the soil.

Concerns were also raised about the potential for noise from the battery storage facility, but a council planning meeting was told the nearest property was 300m (985ft) away.

Councillors approved the plans at the meeting last Wednesday.

The official permission for the solar farm project is yet to be granted due to a consultation period with the Ministry of Defence, which is set to be completed on 4 May, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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