A large solar farm, north of Grantham, big enough to supply 15,000 homes has won approval.

South Kesteven District Council's planning committee today has granted planning permission for the scheme at Foston.

The application from By-Pass Farm Solar Ltd sought to generate 49Mw of power on a 85 ha site, as previously reported by Nub News.

The committee today heard from planning officer Phil Jordan that the scheme was the biggest SKDC could deal with, as if if exceeded 50mw, it would have to be dealt with by government. But it would provide 'substantial benefits' in terms of renewable energy.

Ward councillor Paul Wood (Ind-Viking) said he supported the application, but asked for the disruption it might bring to be kept to a minimum.

However, Foston resident James Bliss said the solar farm would cause a significant visual impact and would dominate the area.

He called for more trees to be planted around it, especially by the A1, to minimise glint and glare from the solar panels.

He and villagers were not against green energy, but its impacts need to be minimised, he added.

For the applicant, Peter Grubb said the scheme met council planning policies and fitted the council aims to tackle the 'climate emergency'. He said further tree-planting for screening was being considered particularly on the northern edge of the site, which would benefit A1 traffic.

Councillors all voted to approve the application, with Coun Robert Reid (Con- Bourne Austerby) calling the scheme a 'good news' story.

Coun Reid, who is also SKDC's Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, added the grid supply in Grantham was "already under a great deal of strain."

Former Grantham Mayor Ian Selby commented: "We must do all we can to protect the environment. It's a frightening future if we don't act now."