The Lincolnshire Council Planning and Regulation Committee met to discuss several traffic regulation orders and a large solar farm proposal. The committee approved recommendations for traffic restrictions in various locations, supported a pedestrian crossing feasibility study, and objected to the Springwell Energy Farm solar panel installation.

Traffic Items

The committee considered several reports regarding proposed changes to waiting restrictions and other traffic-related issues.

Bedford Street, Lincoln

The committee considered a report on proposed amendments to waiting restrictions on Bedford Street, Lincoln. The proposal aimed to address obstructions to private accesses caused by permit parking bays. Eight objections were received, mainly from residents concerned about the displacement of parking. The committee approved a minor modification to the scheme, allowing a section to remain available for permit holders.

Cecil Street, Lincoln

A report concerning proposed waiting restrictions on Cecil Street, Lincoln was discussed. The proposal sought to protect vehicular access to properties by introducing double yellow lines. One objection was received, citing insufficient street space for residents. The committee recommended approval of the order, noting that stopping for passenger drop-off and loading would still be permitted.

Westgate, Lincoln

The committee reviewed a proposal for a pedestrian crossing facility on Westgate, Lincoln. The proposed location was near a primary school where pedestrians often cross at an informal crossing point. A pedestrian crossing survey fell slightly short of the required score for a formal crossing. Councillor Murray, who represents the area, supported the proposal, citing heavy pedestrian traffic during school hours. Councillor Overton asked for clarification on the type of refuge being considered. The committee recommended that a bid for funding be submitted for a feasibility study and installation of a pedestrian refuge.

Creeton Road (B1176), Little Bytham

A report regarding a proposed speed limit reduction on Creeton Road (B1176) in Little Bytham was presented. The proposal aimed to reduce the speed limit to 30mph due to concerns about traffic speed and the safety of schoolchildren. A speed survey indicated a mean speed of 36mph, making it a borderline case under the council's speed limit policy. The police raised concerns that reducing the speed limit could diminish the emphasis on safety near the school. Councillor Vernon, the ward member, supported the reduction, noting the presence of a woodland play area and school route. The committee supported the proposal to reduce the speed limit.

Eastgate, Louth

The committee discussed a proposed amendment to a loading bay on Eastgate, Louth. The request was from the new owners of the former Wilco store, seeking to extend the loading bay and adjust its hours of operation. Two objections were received, one from a resident concerned about noise and another from a business concerned about access to their car park. Councillor Overton questioned the early 6am start time. The committee approved a minor modification to remove the extension of the bay, but supported the change in hours.

Prince's Street, Metheringham

A report concerning proposed waiting restrictions on Prince's Street, Metheringham was reviewed. The proposal aimed to address traffic obstruction and visibility issues. Four objections were received from residents concerned about the loss of parking. The committee approved the proposed restrictions.

Springwell Energy Farm Development Consent Order

The committee considered an application by Springwell Energy Farm Limited for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to install solar PV panels to generate up to 800MW of power, along with on-site battery storage and associated infrastructure. The proposed solar energy park would be located on land in the district of Norfolk. Neil McBride, Head of Planning, presented the report.

Project Details

The Springwell Development Site is proposed for predominantly agricultural land east and west of the A15, south of Lincoln, and north of Sleaford. The site includes three distinct areas: Springwell East, Springwell Central, and Springwell West. The development would consist of solar photovoltaic electricity generation areas, a substation, a battery energy storage facility (BESS), and a 400kv cable route corridor to connect to a proposed new national grid substation near Navenby. The development is expected to generate 800 megawatts of electrical output per year and have an operational life of 40 years.

Objections and Concerns

The report outlined several concerns, including:

• Grid Connection: Uncertainty regarding the grid connection and timings for the Springwell project in relation to the Navenby substation.
• Landscape and Visual Impact: Significant adverse effects on the landscape character and visual amenity.
• Heritage: Concerns about the assessment of built heritage and potential impacts on buried heritage assets.
• Agricultural Issues: Loss of best and most versatile agricultural land.
• Waste Generation: Concerns regarding the generation of waste and the lack of recycling facilities for solar panels.

Committee Discussion

Councillor Overton expressed strong concerns about the size and scale of the application, the impact on the rural landscape, and the loss of agricultural land.

So, we currently have attractive villages set in rural countryside. So, putting industrial solar on good farmland for the rest of our lives, with us paying for it through our electricity bills to global companies creating a drain of funds out of the country, is simply daft.

Councillor Overton also raised concerns about the impact of construction traffic on local villages.

Councillor Dyer seconded the proposal, highlighting the good quality of the agricultural land and the potential impact on the landscape. He also questioned the adequacy of the community benefit fund.

Councillor Murray expressed support for the project, emphasising the need for renewable energy and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Committee Decision

The committee voted to object to the application for the reasons outlined in the report. Councillor Overton, Councillor Dyer and Councillor Vernon were among those who spoke in favour of objecting to the application. Councillor Murray spoke in favour of the application. The recommendation to submit the comments was carried.