Plans for vast One Earth Solar Farm spanning Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, near South Clifton, progressing after government approval

Plans for a major solar farm have been approved for public examination.

Developers PS Renewables and Ørsted’s application for development consent order for the One Earth Solar Farm has been reviewed by the planning inspectorate and accepted for examination.

The solar farm and associated battery energy storage system (BESS) is proposed to cover around 1,600 hectares surrounding the villages of North Clifton and South Clifton, and crossing the border of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Matt Hazell, co-owner of PS Renewables, said: “We are very pleased to achieve this important milestone for One Earth, and we want to thank everyone who took part in the consultations over the last two years to help shape the proposals.”

Following its initial approval, the project is now due to move to the ‘pre-examination stage’ in preparation for public examinations.

During the examination period, there will likely be a series of public hearings as well as written questions and answers, which will all be made public on the planning inspectorate’s website.

Due to the scale of the project — with a promise to produce more than 50MW of energy — it is considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and it’s application will be decided at the national level by the Secretary of State.

A final decision would be expected in 2026.

Randall Linfoot, programme manager for Ørsted, added: “We are delighted to have had our DCO application for the One Earth Solar Farm accepted for examination. It is crucial for the UK that large renewables projects such as One Earth can be progressed as quickly as possible whilst also ensuring they are properly scrutinised.

“Projects like this will be key contributors to the UK’s energy security alongside bringing investment, low-cost electricity for consumers and helping meet global climate goals and net-zero targets.”

Developers say the proposals for One Earth have changed significantly in response to two periods of consultation over the last two years — with panels removed from near homes and villages and environmental feedback taken into account.

However, the solar farm and BESS continue to face significant concern from residents who have formed the ‘Say No to One Earth’ action group and have written to their MPs.

Their concerns include the vast scale of the plans, the risk of pollution to the water treatment plant and reservoir in the centre of the project area in the case of a lithium battery fire at the BESS, as well as feeling the consultation process “lacked transparency and meaningful engagement”.

One Earth’s developers attempted to counter these concerns. It highlighted the “suite of safeguards” associated with new battery technology, and stated it “made efforts to be as transparent as possible”.

What do you think? Let us know your views in the comments below…