West Burton Solar Project development consent decision announced
- 24 January 2025
- Department of Energy Security and Net Zero
The Planning Inspectorate has announced its decision to grant development consent for the West Burton Solar Project, a proposed solar farm in Nottinghamshire.
The project, which is being developed by WBS Solar Limited, would have a capacity of up to 350MW and would be located on land adjacent to the existing West Burton Power Station.
The Planning Inspectorate’s decision is subject to a number of conditions, including a requirement for the developer to submit a detailed landscaping and biodiversity management plan.
The West Burton Solar Project is one of a number of large-scale solar projects that have been proposed in the UK in recent years. The UK government has set a target of generating 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and solar power is expected to play a major role in meeting this target.
The West Burton Solar Project is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 100,000 homes. The project will also create jobs during construction and operation.
The decision to grant development consent for the West Burton Solar Project is a significant step forward for the project. However, the project still needs to secure a number of other approvals, including a grid connection agreement.
The West Burton Solar Project is expected to be operational by 2027.
Background
The West Burton Solar Project was first proposed in 2021. The project was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination in 2022.
The Planning Inspectorate held a public inquiry into the project in 2023. The inquiry heard evidence from the developer, local residents, and other interested parties.
The Planning Inspectorate has now published its decision to grant development consent for the project.
Conditions
The Planning Inspectorate has imposed a number of conditions on the development consent for the West Burton Solar Project. These conditions include:
- A requirement for the developer to submit a detailed landscaping and biodiversity management plan
- A requirement for the developer to monitor the impact of the project on local wildlife
- A requirement for the developer to provide a community benefits fund
The developer must comply with these conditions before the project can be constructed.
Next steps
The West Burton Solar Project still needs to secure a number of other approvals, including a grid connection agreement. The developer is expected to submit an application for a grid connection agreement in the near future.
The West Burton Solar Project is expected to be operational by 2027.
West Burton Solar Project development consent decision announced
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