Lincolnshire Mayor says Reform determined to push back on solar plans
More than a dozen solar farms are in the pipeline as Reform leaders pledge to fight
Lincolnshire’s Reform politicians say they are determined to put pressure on Government to rethink plans for new solar farms and pylons across the county.
More than a dozen large solar farm projects are currently at different stages of planning in Lincolnshire, sparking debate about their scale, impact on the countryside, and how they are connected to the grid.
Mayor Andrea Jenkyns says she will be working alongside Council Leader Sean Matthews and Boston and Skegness MP Richard Tice to push back against large-scale solar development and to demand that energy companies put new cables underground.
“What Sean, Richard and I can do is use this national platform to put pressure on," she said.
"Politicians only change their mind on things if they realise it’s so unpopular they’re going to lose votes.”
Jenkyns added that Reform would look at using its position to warn companies and that if they don’t take local concerns seriously, they could face stricter rules under if the party comes to power government.
While stressing that she supports growth and investment, she also called for Lincolnshire to broaden its economy beyond net-zero industries.
“Naturally, businesses go where subsidies are. But I want to make sure we have a balanced economy… If we shift our dial to also incorporate other industries, that makes for a stronger, longer-lasting economy.”