Planning process

Rosefield Solar Farm is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) because of the amount of electricity it would generate (over 50MW). This means we need to apply for a type of planning consent called a Development Consent Order (DCO) to build and operate it.

We consulted on our updated proposals for Rosefield between 18 September and 5 December 2024. This consultation was a ‘statutory consultation’ as it was carried out in line with the formal requirements of the Planning Act 2008.

The feedback received, along with further technical work and environmental studies, informed our DCO application which we submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on 26 September 2025. This was accepted for examination on 23 October 2025.

This stage of the DCO process is led by the Planning Inspectorate. There are a number of opportunities to share your views and get involved.

The examination takes place over a period of six months and is mostly a written process, which involves the Planning Inspectorate asking Interested Parties to submit information in writing. There are also a number of public hearings, which take place in local venues where Interested Parties may be invited to speak. The dates and formats of these meetings will be published in advance on the Rosefield Solar Farm page of the Planning Inspectorate website here.

For more information about the planning process, please visit the Planning Inspectorate website here: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/