As Peartree Hill will generate more than 50MW of power, it is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and will proceed through the Development Consent Order (DCO) planning process.

The DCO process provides a dedicated framework specifically designed to address the complexities associated with large, complex energy projects (as well as other project types).

Applications for DCOs are examined independently by the Planning Inspectorate. Following an examination of the project, the Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, who will decide on the outcome of the application.

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, has informed the development of our proposals ahead of the submission of our DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate.

Pre-examination phase

Peartree Hill Solar Farm recently went through the pre-examination stage of the DCO process.

At this stage:

• The Planning Inspectorate invited individuals, organisations, and statutory consultees to register as Interested Parties.
• Anyone who wanted to participate in the examination must have submitted a relevant representation to the Planning Inspectorate by 30 May 2025 at 23.59
• The Examining Authority was appointed and reviewed all submitted representations, setting out the main issues for examination.

Examination phase

Peartree Hill Solar Farm is now in the examination stage of the DCO process.

During this phase:

• The Examining Authority will review all submitted representations and conduct public hearings.
• Interested Parties will have opportunities to provide further input through written representations and oral evidence at hearings.
• The examination typically lasts up to six months, after which the Planning Inspectorate will submit a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The Secretary of State will then have three months to make a final decision on whether to grant the Development Consent Order.

Updates about Peartree Hill Solar Farm will be posted on the Planning Inspectorate’s website

For more information about the planning process, please visit the Planning Inspectorate website here:

Overview of the nationally significant infrastructure planning process for members of the public and others