Springwell is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) because it would have a generating capacity above 50 megawatts (50MW). This means we need to apply for a type of planning consent called a Development Consent Order (DCO) to build and operate it.
Following two phases of public consultation on the proposals, we submitted a DCO application which was examined by the Planning Inspectorate between 7 May and 9 October 2025. All the information published during the examination, including written submissions from interested parties, is available on the Springwell Solar Farm page of the Planning Inspectorate website here.
Following the examination, the Secretary of State granted development consent for Springwell Solar Farm on 8 April 2026.
More information on the DCO process, including guidance on how to become an Interested Party, is available via the Planning Inspectorate website: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/detailed-information.