Set procedure for reviewing the project
Because of the size of this project this becomes a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This is managed and received by the Planning Inspectorate (or formerly by the Infrastructure Planning Commission). The process is significantly different from normal Planning applications (even Grendon Prison) and Buckinghamshire Council has a restricted input. To have any input the only time individuals or Parish Councils can have a say is at the initial consultation whether it’s for or against or feel it may need some adaptation.
Proposed solar farms & battery storage facilities around the Claydons
We are aware that with National Grid wanting to build a new and larger substation, it will attract numerous interests with green energy companies involving solar panels and/or battery storage facilities that will impact East and Botolph Claydon and beyond to Middle Claydon, Calvert, Granborough, North Marston and Hogshaw.
The proposal by Rosefield Solar (a subsidiary of EDF Energy) is on a much larger scale. A 500 Mw solar farm and associated infrastructure will encompass land, principally within the Claydon Estate, from Calvert in the west to the East Claydon substation in the east and from Orchard Way in the north to Finmere Wood in the south. The scale of this proposal means that it qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). As such, although Bucks Planning Authority can express an opinion on the planning proposal, it will be determined by the relevant Secretary of State (SoS). If approved, the SoS will issue a Development Consent Order (DCO).
There is a set procedure for reviewing such projects and it’s worth summarising the process and, in particular, how and at what stage individuals and interested bodies can express their views. This is important because there are limited opportunities to do so.
Documents submitted by Rosefield
This link below will take you to the Planning Inspectorate portal, and here you will be able to see all the information that relates to Rosefield. As this scheme moves forward this is where you will be able to find everything.
There are six stages as follows:
1. Pre-Application:
Before submitting an application, applicants have a statutory duty to carry out consultation on their proposals. This must be done in accordance with its Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC), having sought the views of the host local authority on its content. We are requesting a copy of this document. Responding to an applicant’s Pre-application consultation is the best time to influence a project, whether you agree with it, disagree with it, or believe it could be improved. As such, it is vital that as many residents as possible attend the advertised consultation events and that you submit any comments in writing to Rosefield.
2. Acceptance:
The Acceptance stage begins when an applicant submits an application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate. They have 28 days to decide whether or not the application meets the standards required to be accepted for examination.
3. Pre-Examination:
At this stage, the public will be able to register with the Planning Inspectorate to become an Interested Party by making a Relevant Representation. A Relevant Representation is a summary of a person’s views on an application, made in writing. An Examining Authority is also appointed at the Pre-examination stage, and all Interested Parties will be invited to attend a Preliminary Meeting, run and chaired by the Examining Authority. There is no statutory timescale for this stage of the process, but it usually takes approximately three months from the Applicant’s formal notification and publicity of an accepted application.
4. Examination:
The Planning Inspectorate has up to 6 months to carry out the examination. During this stage, Interested Parties who have registered by making a Relevant Representation are invited to provide more details of their views in writing. The Examining Authority reviews all the important and relevant matters including the representations of all Interested Parties, any supporting evidence submitted and answers provided to the Examining Authority’s questions set out in writing or posed at hearings.
5. Recommendations:
The Planning Inspectorate submits a report on the application to the relevant Secretary of State, including a recommendation, within 3 months of the close of the 6-month Examination stage.
6. Decision:
The Examining Authority writes its recommendation report. This must be completed and sent to the Secretary of State within 3 months of the end of the examination stage.
7. Post Decision:
Once a decision has been issued by the Secretary of State, there is a 6-week period in which the decision may be challenged in the High Court. This process is known as Judicial Review.
Anticipated timeline of the Development Consent Order (DCO) Process
1. PRE-EXAMINATION
Spring 2025
(15 to 18 months)
Rosefield & EDF
Attend consultation events. Submit comments in writing to applicant before 10th November 2023.
Rosefield have submitted their DCO report to the SoS. 13 November 2023.
2. SUBMISSIONS & ACCEPTANCE FOR EXAMINATION
September 2025
Planning Inspectorate
3. PRE-EXAMINATION
5th November to 12th December 2025
Planning Inspectorate
Register as an interested party
We are currently here
4. EXAMINATION
January 2026 to June 2026
Planning Inspectorate
Submit comments in writing. Attend public hearing
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
July 2026 to September 2026
Planning Inspectorate
6. DECISION
October 2026 to December 2026
Secretary of State
7. POST DECISIONS
Judicial Review - opportunity for legal challenge