Heckington Fen Solar Park development consent decision announced
24 January 2025
The Planning Inspectorate has today announced its decision to grant development consent for the construction and operation of Heckington Fen Solar Park, a 350MW solar farm near Sleaford in Lincolnshire.
The solar farm will cover an area of around 500 hectares and will have the capacity to generate enough renewable electricity to power over 100,000 homes. The project is expected to create up to 500 jobs during construction and a further 15 permanent jobs once operational.
The decision follows a public inquiry into the project which was held in September and October 2024. The inquiry heard evidence from the applicant, Heckington Fen Solar Park Limited, as well as from local residents and other interested parties.
In its decision, the Planning Inspectorate concluded that the benefits of the project outweighed the potential negative impacts. The Inspectorate took into account the project’s potential to contribute to the UK’s renewable energy targets, as well as its potential to create jobs and boost the local economy.
The Inspectorate also concluded that the project’s potential negative impacts, such as its impact on the landscape and on local wildlife, could be mitigated through the use of appropriate conditions.
The decision is a major boost for the development of renewable energy in the UK. It is also a significant step forward for Heckington Fen Solar Park Limited, which has been working on the project for a number of years.
A spokesperson for Heckington Fen Solar Park Limited said: “We are delighted that the Planning Inspectorate has granted development consent for Heckington Fen Solar Park. This is a major milestone for the project and we are now looking forward to working with the local community to bring the project to fruition.”
The project is expected to start construction in 2026 and be operational by 2028.
Heckington Fen Solar Park development consent decision announced
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