The Planning Inspectorate has announced a series of public hearings regarding the Tillbridge Solar Project.
As previously reported, the Tillbridge Solar Project is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) proposed in West Lindsey. However, it is not decided through the normal local planning processes, which means West Lindsey District Council is not the decision-making body for this application. It is decided by the Secretary of State, following a six-month examination by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate, whether to grant a Development Consent Order (DCO).
The project which includes solar PV arrays, electrical substations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and a cable route corridor connecting to the National Grid Cottam Substation, is currently one of five NSIP solar developments being proposed for development in the district.
The hearings will take place in January 2025 at the Lincolnshire Showground, providing an opportunity for registered interested parties and the public to engage with the examination process.
Hearing Schedule
- Tuesday, 14 January 2025 (Afternoon): Issue Specific Hearing 2 Environmental Matters: Water Environment & Flood Risk, Soils and Agriculture; and General and other Planning Matters.
- Tuesday, 14 January 2025 (Evening): Open Floor Hearing 2.
- Wednesday, 15 January 2025 (All Day): Issue Specific Hearing 3 Environmental Matters: Health, Safety and Wellbeing; Landscape and Visual, Impact; Noise; Biodiversity and Ecology; and Development Consent Order.
Participation and Observation
All hearings are open to the public to attend and observe. They will include in person and a virtual login via Microsoft Teams to those who have pre registered.
In addition all of the hearings will be open to the public to attend and observe, and will also be broadcast live on the Project Website for those unable to attend in person.
If you wish to actively participate in a hearing (either in person or online), you must register in advance by completing the Event Participation Form. The deadline for registration is 23:59 on Tuesday, 7 January 2025.
About Open Floor Hearings
The Open Floor Hearing on the evening of 14 January 2025 provides a platform for registered interested parties to share their views directly with the Examining Authority. While priority is given to registered interested parties, members of the public who wish to speak may also be heard at the discretion of the Examining Authority.
How to Register
To participate in the hearings, please visit the Tillbridge Solar Project website and complete the Event Participation Form
Further Information
For additional details visit: Tillbridge Solar Project - Project information. Regular updates will be provided in the run-up to the registration deadline on 7 January 2025.