Darlington, Decision on Development Consent Order

The Planning Inspectorate

DEPARTMENT FOR ENERGY SECURITY AND NET ZERO

BYERS GILL SOLAR PROJECT

THE PLANNING ACT 2008 AND THE INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) REGULATIONS 2017

NOTICE OF A DECISION ON AN APPLICATION FOR AN ORDER GRANTING DEVELOPMENT CONSENT FOR EIA DEVELOPMENT

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (“the Secretary of State”) gives notice under regulation 31(2) of the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (“the 2017 Regulations”) that a determination has been made on an application made by RWE Renewables UK Solar and Storage Limited (“the Applicant”) for development consent under the Planning Act 2008 (“the 2008 Act”) for development that constitutes “Environmental Impact Assessment development” as defined in the 2017 Regulations. The application is for the construction, operation and maintenance of a ground mounted solar photovoltaic and onshore generating station with a capacity of around 180 megawatts located between Darlington and Stockton-on-Tees (“the Proposed Development”).

The Secretary of State has decided, following consideration of the report of the Examining Authority which conducted an examination into the application, that development consent should be granted for the Proposed Development.

The statement of reasons for deciding to grant development consent, which has been prepared by the Secretary of State under section 116 of the 2008 Act and regulation 31(2) of the 2017 Regulations, contains the content of the decision, the requirements imposed in connection with the development, the main reasons and considerations on which the decision is based including relevant information about the participation of the public, a description of the main features to avoid, reduce and offset any major adverse effects of the development, is published on the Planning Inspectorate’s website:

https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/EN010139

The Secretary of State’s decision contains the information required by regulation 32(2) including information regarding the right to challenge the decision and the procedures for doing so.

Hard copies of the decision documentation will also be available to inspect at the Planning Inspectorate’s offices (by appointment using the contact details below):

The Planning Inspectorate, National Infrastructure Directorate, Temple Quay House, Bristol BS1 6PN.

To make an appointment for inspection of the documents contact the Planning Inspectorate on 0303 444 5000 or email NIEnquiries@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.

Copies of the Secretary of State’s decision letter and the text of the Order can be obtained by writing or sending an e-mail to the Planning Inspectorate. No charge will be made for this service.