The UK Planning Inspectorate has finalized the examination phase for Island Green Power's proposal to construct a solar photovoltaic (PV) complex with energy storage in the East Midlands of England.
Presented by Island Green Power (IGP), the West Burton project has undergone examination, with the Examining Authority announcing its closure of this phase on Monday. They are now tasked with preparing a recommendation report to be submitted to the Secretary of State within three months, due by August 8, 2024.
Following receipt of the report, the Secretary of State will have an additional three-month period to deliberate and reach a final decision.
IGP's proposal outlines the installation of PV arrays across three sites within West Lindsey District near the Nottingham-Lincolnshire border. These arrays will be connected to a substation at the decommissioned West Burton power station in Nottinghamshire. Upon completion, the solar plants are projected to generate enough energy to power 144,000 homes, effectively replacing approximately 24% of the generation capacity of the former coal-fired West Burton Power Station.
The examination of the West Burton project commenced in November 2023, following its acceptance for review by the Planning Inspectorate in April of the preceding year. The start of the review process had been delayed by several months prior to initiation.
