A proposal for a large-scale solar farm and battery storage facility in northwest England has entered the government’s planning examination process, marking a key stage in its development.
The 147-megawatt Frodsham Solar project, led by Cubico Sustainable Investments, is planned for a site north of Frodsham, Cheshire, near the M56 motorway and an existing 50MW wind farm. The project also includes a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
Due to its generation capacity, the development is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and is being reviewed by the UK Planning Inspectorate. If approved, it would export electricity to SP Energy Networks and could power over 40,000 homes annually. The project is targeting completion by 2029.
Mark Flaherty, development manager for Frodsham Solar, said the acceptance of the application into the examination phase reflects “a key milestone that reflects the hard work of the whole team.”
“This project will bring a significant new source of clean energy to the National Grid, with the potential to directly power local industry,” Flaherty said. “Thank you to everyone who’s shared feedback so far. We encourage anyone with an interest in the project to explore the application documents and consider taking part in the examination process.”
The site design includes new wildlife habitats, improved public access, and a community benefit fund. Project changes were made following public consultation, including measures to mitigate glint and glare impacts on the nearby M56.
Members of the public can register as interested parties and submit relevant representations to the Planning Inspectorate until 11:59 p.m. on August 28, 2025. The examining authority will assess the project based on these submissions, which will be published on the Frodsham Solar website following the deadline.
The Frodsham Solar project forms part of the UK’s broader effort to expand domestic renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
