One Earth Solar Farm

1. Summary of Feedback                        Click on any heading to go to that section
2. Registration Comments
3. Deadline 2
4. Deadline 3
5. Compulsory Acquisition Hearing
6. Issue Specific Hearing 2
7. Deadline 4

Introduction

South Clifton Parish Council and villagers received the introductory leaflet introducing the One Earth Solar farm application in September 2023.

The application is for a proposed new solar farm with associated BESS (battery storage) and infrastructure covering approximately 4,000 acres of farmland either side of the River Trent and is designed to connect to the National Grid at High Marnham.

After the statutory consultation in summer 2024, the application was sent to the Planning Inspectorate and accepted by them for examination in March 2025.

Since then, the Planning Inspectorate have been consulting with local authorities and many other groups, including the Environment Agency, National Highways and National Grid. Any individual could also register as an interested Party and give their views.

South Clifton Parish Council have been sending in submissions throughout this process and each one has been summarised in this section.

For full details of the proposed solar farm and to read all the submissions, go to the Planning Inspectorate website via the link below.

Documents | One Earth Solar Farm

The examination is drawing to a close with 3 more deadlines in December 2025 (6th, 16th and 22nd) where comments can be submitted. The Planning Inspectorate will close the Examination on Thursday 8th January 2026. They will then have 6 months to review all the material and make their recommendation to the Secretary of State.

Summary of Feedback

South Clifton Parish Council – Feedback on the One Earth Solar Farm Proposal

South Clifton Parish Council has reaffirmed its objection to the proposed One Earth Solar Farm due to its size, scale, and impact on nearby villages, residents, and the local environment.

The Council recognises the need for renewable energy but feels the development, as currently planned, would cause significant disruption, visual intrusion, and long-term environmental change across the Trent Valley area.

Key concerns include:

• The unsuitable scale of the project for the surrounding small villages.
• Noise, traffic, and environmental disruption during construction and operation.
• Unclear plans for land restoration after decommissioning.
• The cumulative effect alongside other large energy projects such as the STEP fusion project and National Grid upgrades.

To mitigate the impact, the Council has requested several design changes, including:

• Reducing panel areas near homes and roads.
• Wider buffer zones, bridleways, and circular walks.
• Improved landscaping with tree and hedge planting.
• Relocation of access points, substations, and battery storage away from dwellings.
• Community benefits, such as annual grants, discounted electricity, local employment, and regular environmental and health assessments.

Additional points raised include:

• The potential effect on house prices and mental health of residents.
• Assurance that solar panels are ethically and sustainably sourced.
• Clarity on battery storage safety, lifespan, and disposal.
• Detailed plans for full decommissioning and land restoration.
• Opportunities to enhance biodiversity through scrub creation, pond restoration, and hedgerow improvement.

The Council remains open to dialogue and encourages revisions to the proposal that balance the need for green energy with protection of the local community and countryside.

(South Clifton Parish Council, July 2024)Registration Comments

                                                                                                                                                                                      

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Registration Comments:

South Clifton Parish Council – Initial Representation on the One Earth Solar Farm Proposal

South Clifton Parish Council has formally objected to the proposed One Earth Solar Farm, which has been classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). The council voted unanimously against the proposal at an open public meeting on 23rd October 2023.

While we fully support the need for renewable energy, we believe this particular project would have serious and lasting effects on our local community, farmland, and environment.

What We’ve Said

• Loss of good farmland
  Over half of the proposed site is made up of high-quality agricultural land that’s important for food production. Turning this land into an industrial-scale solar farm goes against national guidance to protect the best farming land.
• Risks to drinking water
  Parts of the site fall within Drinking Water Protected Areas. We’re very concerned about potential contamination from buried cables and possible fires in the battery storage systems, which could harm soil and water quality for years to come.
• Too many large developments in one area
  This solar project would add to several other major energy and infrastructure schemes nearby, including the STEP project at West Burton. The developer hasn’t properly considered how all these projects together could affect land use, traffic, biodiversity, and local wellbeing.
• Impact on residents and mental health
  Nearly 400 local households (about 90% of villagers) responded to a community survey — and 99% opposed the solar farm. Many people have already reported increased anxiety, low mood, and sleep problems linked to the stress of this proposal. The scale of the development would permanently change the look and feel of our countryside.
• Poor consultation process
  Many residents felt ignored or dismissed during the consultation. Important details, such as the number and location of batteries and substations, were not provided. Some villagers left meetings in tears, feeling their concerns were not being taken seriously.
• Heritage and archaeology
  Historic England and Lincolnshire County Council have both raised concerns that the area’s archaeological and historical features haven’t been properly investigated. Over 500 historical finds have been recorded locally, and further surveys are needed to protect this heritage.
• Flood risk
  Much of the proposed site lies on a flood plain, including the Torksey catchment area. The developer’s flood studies are incomplete, and building 3.8-metre-high panels to avoid flooding is not a sensible solution for this location.
• Wildlife and ecology
  The project would destroy valuable habitats for deer and other wildlife, as well as rare plant species. The environmental assessments so far have been limited and lack detail.
• Tourism and local business
  Our peaceful rural setting attracts visitors and supports local businesses, including B&Bs and holiday lets. Large-scale industrial development would spoil this landscape and reduce tourism income for the area.
• No real local benefit
  Despite the size of the scheme, there’s little direct benefit to our community. The proposed community fund is very small compared to other projects of this scale, and we believe the negatives far outweigh any potential advantages.

In short:
South Clifton Parish Council strongly objects to the One Earth Solar Farm proposal. We believe it threatens our farmland, water, heritage, wildlife, and the wellbeing of our residents — without offering meaningful benefits to the local area.

                                                                                                                                                                            

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Deadline 2:

South Clifton Parish Council – Update on the Solar Farm Application

South Clifton Parish Council has sent in a second submission to the Planning Inspectorate about the proposed One Earth Solar Farm. We’re continuing to speak up for residents in South Clifton and nearby villages and are working closely with the “Say No to One Earth Solar” group and David White.

What We’ve Said

• Too many solar farms in the area
  We share the concerns of other councils and the National Farmers Union about the large number of solar farm proposals locally. We’ve asked for better planning and coordination to avoid putting too much pressure on our countryside and roads.
• Protecting water and preventing flooding
  The safety of our drinking water, the North Clifton Reservoir, and the flood defences in our area are vital. We’ve asked for more detailed checks on contamination risks and how flood zones relate to the proposed solar equipment.
• Loss of good farmland
  Over half of the land planned for this project is classed as high-quality farmland. We believe this land should be protected and kept for food production wherever possible.
• Health and wellbeing
  Many residents are worried about the possible effects on health, especially from electromagnetic fields (EMF). The ongoing uncertainty about where equipment like batteries and substations will be placed is also causing stress. We’ve asked for clearer information and more research.
• Impact on the community
  We’ve seen little evidence that this project would benefit local people. Promised community funds have been very small compared to other projects, and we’re concerned it could reduce local jobs in farming and related industries.
• Traffic and public paths
  We’ve reminded the inspectors that this is a popular area for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, especially along the Sustrans route between Lincoln and Fledborough. We want to make sure any traffic plans take this into account.
• Wildlife and nature
  We remain worried about the impact on local wildlife such as otters, water voles, and deer. We’ve asked for more detailed plans to protect and support biodiversity.
• Funding worries
  We’ve raised concerns about the developer Ørsted’s financial position and asked for reassurance that the project can be properly funded from start to finish.

In short:
The Parish Council will keep doing everything we can to make sure local voices are heard and that any decisions about the solar farm protect our community, our countryside, and our way of life.

                                                                                                                                                                                

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Deadline 3:

South Clifton Parish Council – Post-Hearing Submission (Deadline 3)

One Earth Solar Farm (Application No: EN010159)
Submitted: 16 September 2025

South Clifton Parish Council (SCPC) continues to object to the proposed One Earth Solar Farm, following hearings with the Planning Inspectorate. The Council believes the project remains fundamentally flawed in design, process, and evidence.

Key Points of Objection

1. Compulsory Acquisition

• The applicant has not justified the amount of land being taken, including Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) sites.
• Essential consents (from the Crown Estate and Department for Transport) remain unresolved.
• Common land and local rights of way (e.g. Sparrow Lane) would be harmed, reducing public benefit.
• Residents face uncertainty and distress due to excessive land allocation and a lack of alternative assessments.

2. Flood Risk and Hydrology

• The Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is outdated and non-compliant with policy and modern science.
• Historical flood data (2007, 2013, 2024) and cumulative flood risks from other local developments have been ignored.
• The applicant’s modelling contradicts new studies showing solar farms can significantly increase flood risk.
• The required Sequential Test has been wrongly applied, excluding safer locations.

3. Water Framework Directive (WFD) Compliance

• Pollution risks from PFAS chemicals, flame retardants, and microplastics have not been addressed.
• The applicant has not demonstrated compliance with the WFD or provided baseline water quality testing.
• Safety assurances are unreliable without updated monitoring and safeguards.

4. Landscape and Residential Amenity

• Several affected homes have been omitted from assessment or grouped under generic “viewpoints”.
• Visual and noise impacts are understated, and mitigation is inconsistent or poorly justified.
• The rural landscape and residents’ quality of life are at serious risk.

5. Transport and Access

• Safe access to and from the A57 and A1133 remains unresolved, with no Stage 1 safety audit completed.
• The development could increase accidents, congestion, and disruption in already busy rural routes.

6. Biodiversity and Ecology

• Ecological measures are not guaranteed, with many deferred to later “detailed design” stages.
• Fence and hedgerow plans still lack clarity on maintaining wildlife corridors.

7. Governance and Consultation Failings

• Nottinghamshire County Council has admitted it lacks resources to oversee drainage and flood management over 60 years.
• Evidence shows the developer misrepresented community feedback, omitting surveys showing over 95% opposition from local residents.
• A mental health survey by a local GP has also been excluded from the developer’s submissions.

Council’s Position

SCPC believes the proposal is:

• Non-compliant with national policy (NPPF, EN-1, WFD).
• Hydrologically unsafe and environmentally damaging.
• Based on a misleading consultation process.

Recommendations

Unless major flaws are addressed, SCPC urges the Examining Authority to refuse Development Consent. At minimum, the applicant should be required to:

• Re-do the flood and pollution assessments using modern hydrological science.
• Provide enforceable, independently monitored safeguards.
• Secure safe and approved construction access.
• Reduce visual harm and re-engage transparently with affected communities. 

                                                                                                                                                                               

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Compulsory Acquisition Hearing:

South Clifton Parish Council has been following the examination of the One Earth Solar Farm proposal. At the recent Compulsory Acquisition Hearings, several important concerns came to light.

Key Issues for Our Community

1. Too Much Land Being Taken
   • The developers want powers over very large areas of land, even though they only need a small part.
   • Example: a 320-acre area is being included for a cable, when only a 10-metre strip will eventually be used.
2. Battery Storage Size Unclear
   • The land needed for battery storage is based on assumptions, not firm designs.
   • Other technologies may need less space, but the applicant has not committed to this.
3. Substation Not Approved Yet
   • The solar farm cannot work without a new National Grid substation.
   • That substation has not even been applied for yet, but the developer still wants compulsory powers now.
4. Poor Communication with Landowners
   • Some local landowners only found out very late why their land was affected.
   • This shows weak consultation and lack of transparency.
5. Impact on Community Assets
   • Sparrow Lane (common land) may be dug up for cables.
   • Even “temporary” works could reduce access or enjoyment of these spaces.
6. Community Interests vs. Developer Interests
   • The developer says the project is in the national interest.
   • But uncertainty, excessive land take, and harm to local residents are not being properly balanced against those claimed benefits.

Parish Council Position

• We believe the developers are asking for far more powers than they actually need.
• The application is premature, speculative, and unfair to our community.
• The legal tests for compulsory purchase have not been met.

We will continue to press the Examining Authority to protect the rights of our residents and community.

                                                                                                                                                                             

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Issue Specific Hearing 2:

The Examining Authority recently held environmental hearings for the One Earth Solar Farm proposal. Here are the key takeaways:

Main Concerns

1. Harm to Homes
   • The developer assessed groups of properties rather than individual houses.
   • Some homes were misnamed or missed altogether.
   • Planting/mitigation is inconsistent and unclear.
2. Traffic Risks
   • The new A57 access is not yet proven safe.
   • If it fails, all lorries (including abnormal loads) could go through Ragnall village.
   • This would be hugely damaging for local residents.
3. Wildlife Uncertainty
   • Fences will block animals unless “gaps” are included.
   • Placement of these gaps is still undecided and not guaranteed.
4. Water and Pollution
   • Pollution risks from drilling and runoff are still unclear.
   • Modern pollutants like PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and microplastics are not monitored under current rules – so assurances are unreliable.
5. Flood Risk
   • The solar farm lies near the River Trent floodplain.
   • Developer’s “sequential test” claims no better sites exist, but this is questionable.

What This Means

• Too many issues remain unresolved.
• The scheme relies on future promises rather than clear commitments now.
• The risks to our villages, wildlife, and water are serious and downplayed.

Parish Council View:
This application is not ready, not robust, and fails the tests set out in planning law. It should not be approved in its current form.

                                                                                                                                                                            

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Deadline 4:

South Clifton Parish Council – Update on the Solar Farm Application (Deadline 4)

South Clifton Parish Council has sent in further comments to the Planning Inspectorate about the proposed One Earth Solar Farm. We continue to represent the views of residents in South Clifton and nearby villages, raising issues that we believe are important for the safety and wellbeing of our community.

What We’ve Said

• No work should start until the grid connection is approved
  We’ve asked that no construction or site preparation — including any tree or hedge removal — should begin until the grid connection to High Marnham is fully approved. At the moment, this link hasn’t been applied for, as the upgrade to High Marnham hasn’t been granted planning permission yet. It’s vital that this is secured before any work begins.
• Moor Lane is not suitable for construction traffic
  Moor Lane in South Clifton is narrow, poorly maintained, and includes a dangerous blind bend near Cosy Cottage. It’s already used by farm traffic, lorries, cyclists, and horse riders, and extra heavy vehicles would make it unsafe.
  We’ve asked that Moor Lane is classed as a barred route, so construction traffic stays within the site boundaries. At the first meeting with the developer, we were told this would be the case, but it hasn’t been reflected in the current plans.
• Concerns about missing consultation material
  We’ve supported a submission by Stephen Fox, which raises concerns about how the developer handled its public consultation. Important documents appear to have been missing, and in our experience, feedback wasn’t properly acknowledged — we had to send ours three times before it was accepted.
  We’ve asked the Planning Inspectorate to make sure all missing materials are provided, including meeting notes, a mental health survey, and an equestrian survey, so the process is open and fair.

In short:
The Parish Council continues to push for proper checks, fair treatment, and clear communication on the One Earth Solar Farm proposal — to make sure our local community and countryside are protected.

                                                                                                                                                                          

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