Planning process
Due to its size, South Brooks Solar Farm is considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).
DCO application
South Brooks Solar Farm is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) because of the amount of electricity it would generate (over 100MW). This means we need to apply for a type of planning consent called a DCO to build, operate and decommission it.
Consultation is an important part of the DCO process as it enables everyone to comment on the proposals. The feedback received, along with further technical work and environmental studies, will inform the development of our proposals before we submit our DCO application.
The Planning Inspectorate, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, will then review and examine the application, including encouraging submission of views from communities and other interested parties. Following the examination, the Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will make the final decision on whether or not to grant consent.
Role of consultation
Consultation is an important part of the DCO process as it enables everyone to comment on the proposals and share their views.
Last year, we sought feedback on our early plans for South Brooks as part of our Phase One Consultation (18 September – 30 October 2025). The feedback received during this phase has helped to refine the proposals.
We are now consulting on our updated proposals, which includes Preliminary Environmental Information. This stage of consultation (our Phase Two Consultation) is a ‘statutory consultation’, because it is being conducted in line with the formal requirements of the DCO process.