Protestors will fight decision to allow a huge solar farm on the Rutland - Lincolnshire border

The MP for Rutland and Stamford and part of South Lincolnshire says legal action is being considered

Solar farm
Author: Andy MarshPublished 16th Jul 2024

Protestors say they're considering legal action after plans for a large solar farm on the Lincolnshire - Rutland border were given the go ahead.

The Mallard pass project covers four miles from Essendine and would provide energy for more than 92,000 homes.

But those against are worried about the impact on agricultural land.

We've been speaking to the MP for Rutland and Stamford Alicia Kearns who's unhappy with the decision.

We feel that this is a slap in the face

She told us: "To be clear in just three days into his job Ed Miliband signed off over 6000 acres of good quality agricultural land to solar farms."

"Food security is a national security issue so I plan to lobby as hard as I can to try and get him to change his decision and of course we are looking at the legal options available to him."

"We feel that this is a slap in the face."

"Ed Miliband has boasted that he made these three decisions in less than three days when a Secretary of State is meant to have three months to do so."

This is people's livelihoods

"It shows a callous disrespect for the community and a callous disrespect for the rural way of life and it's not a surprise the Labour manifesto didn't use the word "rural" once.

"We as a community have been left in a difficult position because what should have been respectful considered Governance has instead looked to be an ideological slap oi the face because the Labour party wanted to be able to make a propaganda announcement at the end of the first week."

"This is people's lives - this is people's livelihoods and this is national security when it comes to food security."

The Government has said they feel the downsides were outweighed by the benefits.

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