Plans submitted for solar farm substation

Plans have been submitted for an electricity substation in Lincolnshire to connect the county's large solar farms to the national grid.

It is proposed for Heath Lane in Navenby, between Lincoln and Sleaford, and would be up to 15m (50ft) tall in places.

Matt Doherty from National Grid Electricity said the facility was needed "to support growing electricity demand".

Local councillor Marianne Overton, who is leader of the Cliff Villages Solar Action Group which campaigns against solar farms, said she believed there was "a really strong case" against the application.

"This will be determined by our local elected representatives, not the government, and we need to really look closely," she said.

"Industrial development in open countryside is not usually allowed. National Grid will need to argue that the renewable energy is worth all of the disadvantages."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, if permission is granted, construction would begin next year and the substation would become operational by 2029.

Doherty said the plan had been changed following "feedback from our consultation".

"The proposed substation is needed to support growing electricity demand and will help ensure communities across Lincolnshire have a resilient and reliable power supply as everyday life becomes increasingly electrified," he said.

"Strengthening the network is essential to support local businesses, future jobs and the connection of more secure, cleaner, home‑grown energy from more affordable sources."

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