Mayor eyes legal challenge to development consent for major solar farm

Reform UK’s Dame Andrea Jenkyns objected to energy and net zero secretary Ed Miliband consenting to the Springwell solar farm in North Kesteven.

Miliband’s decision letter said: “The Secretary of State has considered the overall planning balance and, for the reasons set out in this letter, has concluded that the public benefits associated with the proposed development outweigh the harm identified, and that development consent should therefore be granted.”

Its developer said the solar farm would provide enough energy to power more than 180,000 homes.

Dame Andrea said in a Facebook post: “I am looking at the legal case to push for a judicial review against mad Ed Milliband granting the UKs largest Solar Farm. Will keep you posted.”

She said a barrister had been appointed “to look at strength of our case” but did not cite any specific grounds of objection.

Dame Andrea added: “I’m not making promises but watch this space; I’m going all to to find [reasons].”

Mark Smulian