Purpose

This decision relates to a Development Consent Order made by
the Secretary of State (SoS) under the 2008 Planning Act
granting permission for the construction, operation,
maintenance and decommissioning of ground mounted solar
energy park covering an area of approximately 1,280ha that
would produce 800MW of energy to be transferred to a
proposed new National Grid substation at Navenby.
Having taken Counsel advice there are grounds to challenge the
decision with the potential for success in line with the Council’s
representations to the Examining Authority. Consultation has
occurred with the Council Leader and the Council’s Chief Legal
Officer to confirm this course of action
The identified grounds of challenge align with the concerns
raised by the Council in its formal representations. On this basis,
it is recommended that the Council proceeds to Stage 1 of the
judicial review process and challenges the decision on the basis
of Counsel’s advice.

Decision

To approve the issuing of a Pre-Action Protocol letter (Stage 1 of
the judicial review process) in relation to the decision granting a
Development Consent Order for the Springwell Solar Farm.

Alternative options considered

Not challenging the decision