Major solar power scheme takes step forward

A major solar power project on the Nottinghamshire/Lincolnshire border has taken a significant step forward.

The Planning Inspectorate, the body responsible for dealing with national infrastructure planning applications in England, has, on behalf of the Secretary of State accepted the application for West Burton Solar Project for examination.

Island Green Power, which is the developers behind the proposals, submitted its Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) in March. PINS has now confirmed that the application can now move into the examination phase. This is a key part of the consenting process for nationally significant infrastructure projects.

A spokesperson for West Burton Solar Project said: “It is great to see that the Planning Inspectorate has accepted the West Burton Solar Project for examination. This follows on from the acceptance of the Cottam Solar Project earlier in the year. Both projects are nationally significant on their own merits, and collectively could make a really significant contribution to the UK’s journey to net zero and energy security.

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to reaching this milestone. It has been a robust, concerted effort to develop and submit two applications in parallel with one another. The feedback we have received from communities and stakeholders has helped us to refine our proposals for the West Burton Solar Project.

“The upcoming examination is a key part in the process to ensure that we deliver the West Burton Solar Project in the best way for all involved. We are looking forward to working with our examiners, colleagues and interested parties to facilitate this.”

The West Burton Solar Project is named after its grid connection point at the existing National Grid substation at the West Burton Power Station. The Scheme comprises a number of sites referred to as West Burton 1, 2, and 3 for the solar arrays, grid connection infrastructure and energy storage, as well as cable route corridors, accesses and environmental mitigation and enhancement measures.

The sites are around 7.4km to the south and up to 14.6km southeast of Gainsborough.

Given the amount of renewable energy the project would generate, West Burton Solar Project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means that, to gain permission to build it, a Development Consent Order (DCO) application has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) after extensive consultation with stakeholders including local communities and District and County Councils.

The Secretary of State will ultimately determine whether to grant consent for the proposals.

If consented, it is anticipated that construction on the projects could start from 2024 onwards.