There are four proposed solar projects for West Lindsey.
Low Carbon's Gate Burton Energy Park, Island Green Power's Cottam Solar Project and West Burton's Solar Project, and Tillbridge Solar Limited's Tillbridge Solar Project.
The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) are the Government Agency responsible for examining applications for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). The National Infrastructure Planning website, managed by PINS, contains helpful advice on the Application Process (including how to participate in the process), as well as other Guidance and Advice.
Each Project has it’s own webpage on the National Infrastructure Planning website:
Gate Burton Energy Park
Low Carbon are looking to develop the Gate Burton Energy Park, which is a proposed solar and energy park, anticipated as having a generation capacity of 500MW.
It would be built on agricultural land wholly contained within the boundary of one site comprising approximately 684 hectares (1,690 acres). The site is located in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire approximately four kilometres south of Gainsborough, near the communities of Gate Burton, Knaith Park and Willingham-by-Stow.
The electricity generated by the energy park is expected to be exported into the existing national electricity transmission system at National Grid’s 400kV Cottam substation, in the district of Bassetlaw.
The Planning Inspectorate confirmed on 22nd February that this project has been accepted for examination.
For those that wish to have their say, and make representations about the application, you will need to register as an Interested Party on the Planning Inspectorate website.
Registration closes on Wednesday 12th April at 23:59.
Further information
- Planning Inspectorate: Gate Burton Energy Park
- Associated planning documents: Gate Burton Energy Park
- Developer website: Gate Burton Energy park
Cottam Solar Project
Island Green Power (IGP) are proposing two projects that cross the county border between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The Cottam Solar Project is anticipated as having a generation capacity of 600MW. It is proposed across three sites, totalling 1,270ha in area. Cottam 1 (894Ha) would be located on land between Sturton by Stow and Ingham. Cottam 2 (132Ha) on land to the north-east of Corringham; and Cottam 3 (244Ha) to the east of Blyton and Pilham.
The electricity generated by the energy park is expected to be exported into the existing national electricity transmission system at National Grid’s 400kV Cottam substation, in the district of Bassetlaw.
The Planning Inspectorate confirmed on 9th February that this project has been accepted for examination.
For those that wish to have their say, and make representations about the application, you will need to register as an Interested Party on the Planning Inspectorate website.
Registration closes on Thursday 30th March at 23:59.
Further information
- Planning Inspectorate: Cottam Solar Project
- Associated planning documents: Cottam Solar Project
- Developer website: Cottam Solar Project
West Burton Solar Project
Island Green Power (IGP) are proposing two projects that cross the county border between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The West Burton Solar Project is anticipated as having a generation capacity of up to 480MW. It is proposed across three sites within West Lindsey District, totalling 788Ha in area. West Burton 1 (90Ha), 2 (328ha) and 3 (370Ha) are clustered within a circa 8.5km stretch of countryside located east of the River Trent, south of the A1500 and north of Saxilby. West Burton 4 (247Ha) in Bassetlaw District has now been removed from the project. Each of the sites will be connected by underground cables.
This will allow for energy generated to be transferred to the grid connection point at West Burton Power Station, in the district of Bassetlaw.
The Planning Inspectorate have advised they anticipate the application for a Development Consent Order will be made on Friday 17th March. They will then decide whether to accept the application for examination, within 28 days. If accepted, registration will then open for Interested Parties on the Planning Inspectorate website.
Further information
- Planning Inspectorate: West Burton Solar Project
- Associated planning documents: West Burton Solar Project
- Developer website: West Burton Solar Project
Tillbridge Solar Project
Tillbridge Solar is a proposed project located on land to south, east and south east of Gainsborough and to the north west of Lincoln. The electricity generated (up to 500MW anticipated) from the project would then connect to National Grid’s Cottam substation in Bassetlaw District.
It is anticipated that the developer will submit their application in Q4 2023. Before that, they will be required to advertise and undertake public consultation, anticipated spring or summer of 2023.