Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) has received planning approval for a 20-megawatt (MW) solar project in Lincolnshire, a move that supports both local renewable energy goals and agricultural land use.
The Limes Farm Solar Park, to be located near Bourne, will allow for continued sheep grazing on the site, enabling the landowner to maintain farming operations while diversifying income streams through renewable energy generation.
As part of its community benefits package, DRD will offer free domestic solar panel installations to up to 80 nearby homes and provide £100,000 to Bourne Town Council for use in local initiatives.
“We were delighted to have received strong support from the local planning committee when determining our Limes Farm Solar project and in particular the weight they placed on the importance of farmers being able to choose to diversify income from their agricultural land,” said Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments.
“The development has been designed with the landscape, biodiversity, and community in mind,” Gannon added. “It helps to sustain an ongoing farming business, while contributing positively to the environment and energy security.”
The Lincolnshire approval adds to DRD’s existing pipeline of renewable energy projects in the UK, which totals around 6 gigawatts. Other developments include a 40MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the East Midlands, a 100MW BESS project in the West Midlands, and a 49.9MW solar farm in Norfolk.
