Renewable energy developer RES has advanced its 600-megawatt (MW) Steeple renewables project in Nottinghamshire to the next stage of planning, following acceptance of its Development Consent Order (DCO) application by the UK Planning Inspectorate.
The proposed scheme, located near the former West Burton power station at Sturton-le-Steeple, would connect to existing grid infrastructure and, if approved, is expected to supply electricity to around 180,000 homes—approximately half of the households in Nottinghamshire.
“Reaching this milestone marks a major step forward for Steeple Renewables Project, which builds on the area’s longstanding contribution to UK energy generation,” said Will Bridges, DCO project manager at RES.
According to RES, the project is anticipated to generate £224 million in construction investment, create 400 jobs during a two-year build phase, and deliver a £13 million community benefits package over its operational life.
Bridges noted that the final design incorporates changes based on public feedback and technical studies. “We have made substantial changes to our original proposals, including reducing the area used for solar panels and increasing buffers between residential properties and the panels,” he said.
The proposal follows an 18-month consultation period, during which RES conducted two formal rounds of public engagement. The company said the design was revised to address environmental, technical, and community considerations.
The project now moves into the pre-examination phase, where interested parties can register and submit comments through the Planning Inspectorate’s platform. The Examining Authority will then have six months to assess the application before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State. A final decision is expected by mid to late 2026.
