A solar power facility capable of generating up to 237.5 megawatts has received government approval following a rapid examination process that met statutory deadlines under planning legislation.
Lord Whitehead granted development consent on behalf of the Energy Secretary for the Fenwick Solar Farm, which will install solar photovoltaic generating panels, associated electrical equipment, cabling and energy storage facilities together with grid connection infrastructure.
The Planning Inspectorate completed its examination within the statutory timescale established by the Planning Act 2008, marking the 105th energy application out of 173 examined to date to achieve this timeline compliance.
Fenwick Solar Project Ltd submitted the application on 1 November 2024, with acceptance for examination following on 29 November 2024. The six-month examination period concluded with recommendations submitted to the Secretary of State on 18 November 2025.
The scheme’s generating capacity exceeds 50 megawatts, crossing the threshold that requires development consent order approval rather than standard planning permission. The anticipated maximum capacity of 237.5MW positions it as a significant renewable energy installation.
Local communities, councils and interested parties were able to participate throughout the examination process. The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and evidence gathered before making its recommendation to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The decision represents continued momentum in approving large-scale renewable energy infrastructure through the nationally significant infrastructure project regime. The Planning Inspectorate’s track record shows 105 energy applications have now received decisions from the 173 projects examined under the current framework.
The statutory timescale requirement ensures major energy projects receive timely decisions whilst maintaining thorough examination processes. The Fenwick Solar Farm application progressed through all stages within these parameters despite the complexity of assessing impacts and considering community representations.
Public participation opportunities included the ability to submit written representations, attend hearings and provide evidence to inform the Examining Authority’s assessment. The Planning Inspectorate’s website hosts all documentation including the decision, the Examining Authority’s recommendation and the evidence considered during the examination.
Lord Whitehead exercised the Energy Secretary’s legal authority in granting consent, a delegation arrangement that allows timely decisions on nationally significant infrastructure whilst maintaining ministerial accountability.
The approved development will now proceed to construction and operational phases subject to meeting conditions attached to the development consent order. The scheme joins a growing pipeline of large-scale solar installations securing approval as the government pursues renewable energy capacity expansion targets.
Implementation timelines and construction commencement dates have not been publicly specified, though approved projects typically progress to groundbreaking within months of receiving development consent. The Planning Inspectorate’s project pages contain full details of conditions and requirements attached to the approval.
