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All project updates
21 November 2023
On 20 November 2023 the Secretary of State issued a Correction Notice (PDF, 142KB) and Correction Order (PDF, 90KB) to make corrections to the Longfield Solar Farm Order 2023. The Correction Order will come into force on 21 November 2023.
26 June 2023
The Secretary of State has today granted development consent for this application. The Secretary of State did not require any new information from the Applicant or other parties during the decision-making stage, and the decision to grant development consent was taken three weeks ahead of the statutory deadline. For further information please refer to the following decision documentation:
- Secretary of State’s Decision Letter (PDF, 395KB)
- Planning Inspectorate’s Notification of Decision Letter (PDF, 138KB)
- Development Consent Order as made (PDF, 2MB)
- Examining Authority’s Recommendation Report (PDF, 5MB)
- Habitats Regulations Assessment (PDF, 647KB)
- Regulation 31 Notice (PDF, 64KB)
- Post-Examination submissions (PDF, 1MB)
26 June 2023
Decision made by the Secretary of State
15 May 2023
5 May 2023
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has today written to the Applicant and other parties regarding two points of clarification. (PDF, 134KB) The deadline for any response is 23:59 on 12 May 2023.
18 April 2023
Recommendations given by the Planning Inspectorate
19 January 2023
The Examining Authority’s notification of the completion of the Examination (PDF, 129 KB) has been published.
The Examination Stage of the Longfield Solar Farm Development Consent Order Application has now concluded and no further evidence can be taken into account in the Recommendation made by the Examining Authority.
Submissions for Deadline 8 on Wednesday 18 January 2023 have been received and published. The Exam Library (PDF, 565 KB) has been updated accordingly.
The Examination Stage of the Longfield Solar Farm Development Consent Order Application has now concluded and no further evidence can be taken into account in the Recommendation made by the Examining Authority.
Submissions for Deadline 8 on Wednesday 18 January 2023 have been received and published. The Exam Library (PDF, 565 KB) has been updated accordingly.
13 January 2023
A request for additional information (PDF,143 KB) issued under Rule 17 of The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 has been sent to all Interested Parties and was published on the National Infrastructure website on Friday 13 January 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact us: LongfieldSolarFarm@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
If you have any questions, please contact us: LongfieldSolarFarm@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
12 January 2023
Submissions for Deadline 7 on Wednesday 11 January 2023 have been received and published. The Exam Library (PDF, 549KB) has been updated accordingly.
Deadline 8 is Wednesday 18 January 2023. You can see what information is requested by this Deadline in the Exam Timetable. This Deadline falls on the closing date of the Examination.
Deadline 8 is Wednesday 18 January 2023. You can see what information is requested by this Deadline in the Exam Timetable. This Deadline falls on the closing date of the Examination.
9 January 2023
A request for additional information (PDF, 165KB) issued under Rule 17 of The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 has been sent to the Applicant, Longfield Solar Energy Farm Limited and was published on the National Infrastructure website on Monday 9 January 2023. The Exam Library (PDF, 525KB) has been updated accordingly.
The next deadline for submissions as part of this Application is Deadline 7, due on Wednesday 11 January 2023. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 7 in the Exam Timetable. The final deadline for this Examination is Deadline 8 on Wednesday 18 January 2023.
The next deadline for submissions as part of this Application is Deadline 7, due on Wednesday 11 January 2023. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 7 in the Exam Timetable. The final deadline for this Examination is Deadline 8 on Wednesday 18 January 2023.
3 January 2023
A request for additional information (PDF, 153 KB) issued under Rule 17 of The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 has been sent to the Applicant, Longfield Solar Energy Farm Limited and was published on the National Infrastructure website on Tuesday 3 January 2023. The Exam Library (PDF, 523 KB) has been updated accordingly.
The next deadline for submissions as part of this Application is Deadline 7, due on Wednesday 11 January 2023. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 7 in the Exam Timetable.
The next deadline for submissions as part of this Application is Deadline 7, due on Wednesday 11 January 2023. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 7 in the Exam Timetable.
20 December 2022
Submissions for Deadline 6 on Thursday 15 December 2022 have been received and published. The Exam Library (PDF, 506 KB) has been updated accordingly.
Deadline 7 is Wednesday 11 January 2023. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 7 in the Exam Timetable.
A note has been published for the Unaccompanied Site Inspection and Access Required Site Inspections (PDF, 107 KB) undertaken between Monday 5 December and Wednesday 7 December 2022.
Additional Submissions have been accepted by the Examining Authority from Mr and Mrs Harvey (PDF, 263 KB) and Mr Kelly (PDF, 119 KB).
Deadline 7 is Wednesday 11 January 2023. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 7 in the Exam Timetable.
A note has been published for the Unaccompanied Site Inspection and Access Required Site Inspections (PDF, 107 KB) undertaken between Monday 5 December and Wednesday 7 December 2022.
Additional Submissions have been accepted by the Examining Authority from Mr and Mrs Harvey (PDF, 263 KB) and Mr Kelly (PDF, 119 KB).
1 December 2022
The Examining Authority issued Additional Written Questions and Requests for Information (ExQ3) (PDF, 261 KB) on Thursday 1 December 2022. The Examination Library has been updated (PDF, 480 KB).
The Examination Timetable for the application for Development Consent for the Longfield Solar Farm made provision for the Examining Authority to issue a commentary on, or schedule of changes to, the draft Development Consent Order (dDCO) on Thursday 1 December 2022. It has been decided not to issue such commentary or a schedule of changes to the dDCO at this time.
An amended version of the Final Itinerary for the Accompanied Site Inspection (PDF, 147 KB) to be held on Tuesday 6 December 2022 was published on Wednesday 30 November 2022.
The next deadline for submission to the Examination is Deadline 6 on Thursday 15 December 2022.
The Examination Timetable for the application for Development Consent for the Longfield Solar Farm made provision for the Examining Authority to issue a commentary on, or schedule of changes to, the draft Development Consent Order (dDCO) on Thursday 1 December 2022. It has been decided not to issue such commentary or a schedule of changes to the dDCO at this time.
An amended version of the Final Itinerary for the Accompanied Site Inspection (PDF, 147 KB) to be held on Tuesday 6 December 2022 was published on Wednesday 30 November 2022.
The next deadline for submission to the Examination is Deadline 6 on Thursday 15 December 2022.
28 November 2022
Submissions for Deadline 5 on Thursday 24 November 2022 have been received and published. The Exam Library (PDF, 477 KB) has been updated accordingly.
Deadline 6 is Thursday 15 December 2022. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 6 in the Exam Timetable.
The Final Itinerary for the Accompanied Site Inspection (PDF,147 KB) due to be undertaken on Tuesday 6 December 2022 has been published.
Deadline 6 is Thursday 15 December 2022. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 6 in the Exam Timetable.
The Final Itinerary for the Accompanied Site Inspection (PDF,147 KB) due to be undertaken on Tuesday 6 December 2022 has been published.
21 November 2022
The Examination Timetable made provision for the Examining Authority, for the Longfield Solar Farm, to issue a Report on the Implications for European Sites (RIES), if required, on Tuesday 22 November 2022. Please note that the Examining Authority has decided not to issue a Report on the Implications for European Sites (RIES) as part of this Examination.
A request for additional information (PDF, 140 KB) issued under Rule 17 of The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 has been sent to some Interested Parties and was published on the National Infrastructure website on Friday 18 November 2022. The Exam Library (PDF, 453 KB) has been updated accordingly.
A request for additional information (PDF, 140 KB) issued under Rule 17 of The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 has been sent to some Interested Parties and was published on the National Infrastructure website on Friday 18 November 2022. The Exam Library (PDF, 453 KB) has been updated accordingly.
7 November 2022
Submissions for Deadline 4 on Thursday 3 November 2022 have been received and published. The Exam Library (PDF, 452 KB) has been updated accordingly.
Deadline 5 is Thursday 24 November 2022. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 5 in the Exam Timetable.
The Examining Authority has issued a Notification of Accompanied Site Inspection (PDF, 154 KB) to be held on Tuesday 6 December 2022.
Deadline 5 is Thursday 24 November 2022. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 5 in the Exam Timetable.
The Examining Authority has issued a Notification of Accompanied Site Inspection (PDF, 154 KB) to be held on Tuesday 6 December 2022.
26 October 2022
The reserved dates for hearings during the week commencing Monday 14 November 2022 are no longer required.
7 October 2022
The submissions for Deadline 3 have been published.
5 October 2022
The video recordings and transcripts from Issue Specific Hearing 1 (ISH1) on the draft Development Consent Order held on Tuesday 27 September 2022, Compulsory Acquisition Hearing 1 (CAH1) held on Wednesday 28 September 2022, Issue Specific Hearing 2 (ISH2) on environmental matters held on Thursday 29 September 2022 and the Open Floor Hearing 1 (OFH1) held on Friday 30 September 2022 have been published.
The Examination Library (PDF, 379KB) has been updated.
The Examination Library (PDF, 379KB) has been updated.
26 September 2022
Joining instructions for those attending Issue Specific Hearing 1 on the draft Development Consent Order – Tuesday 27 September 2022 (PDF, 157 KB), Compulsory Acquisition Hearing 1 – Wednesday 28 September 2022 (PDF, 142 KB), Issue Specific Hearing 2 on environmental matters – Thursday 29 September 2022 (PDF, 157 KB) and Open Floor Hearing 1 – Friday 30 September 2022 (PDF, 124 KB) virtually have been sent.
The livestream is available for anyone wishing to observe in real time, please use the following link: https://www.liveeventstream.online/planning-inspectorate-hearings/longfield-solar-farm
Please note that the hearings will start broadcasting LIVE once they open. If the Livestream doesn’t initially work, it may be resolved by refreshing the page. If you have any issues with accessing the Livestream or a Hearing please contact the Case Team on 0303 444 5000.
The livestream is available for anyone wishing to observe in real time, please use the following link: https://www.liveeventstream.online/planning-inspectorate-hearings/longfield-solar-farm
Please note that the hearings will start broadcasting LIVE once they open. If the Livestream doesn’t initially work, it may be resolved by refreshing the page. If you have any issues with accessing the Livestream or a Hearing please contact the Case Team on 0303 444 5000.
16 September 2022
The agendas for the following hearings have been published:
- Issue Specific Hearing 1 on the draft Development Consent Order – Tuesday 27 September 2022 (PDF, 157 KB)
- Compulsory Acquisition Hearing 1 – Wednesday 28 September 2022 (PDF, 142 KB)
- Issue Specific Hearing 2 on environmental matters – Thursday 29 September 2022 (PDF, 157 KB)
- Open Floor Hearing 1 – Friday 30 September 2022 (PDF, 124 KB)
13 September 2022
The submissions for Deadline 2 have been published.
25 August 2022
The Examining Authority has published a letter notifying parties of the Hearings (PDF, 141 KB) to be held during w/c 26 September 2022.
The Examination Library (PDF, 328 KB) will be updated shortly.
The Examination Library (PDF, 328 KB) will be updated shortly.
22 August 2022
Submissions for Deadline 1B have been received and published. The Exam Library (PDF, 325 KB) has been updated accordingly.
The Examining Authority has exercised its discretion to accept the following Additional Submission: Gary Clayton – Written Representation (PDF, 5KB)
The Examining Authority has exercised its discretion to accept the following Additional Submission: Gary Clayton – Written Representation (PDF, 5KB)
9 August 2022
Submissions for Deadline 1A have been received and published. The Exam Library (PDF, 262 KB) has been updated accordingly.
Deadline 1B is Thursday 18th August. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 1B in the Exam Timetable.
Deadline 1B is Thursday 18th August. You can check what information is requested at Deadline 1B in the Exam Timetable.
26 July 2022
The Examination Timetable (PDF, 332 KB) has been sent to Interested Parties.
The Examination Library (PDF, 251 KB) has also been updated.
The Examination Library (PDF, 251 KB) has also been updated.
26 July 2022
The Examination Timetable (Rule 8 letter) has been sent to Interested Parties.
Procedural decision following Preliminary Meeting.
18 July 2022
Instructions for those wishing to participate in the Preliminary Meeting (PM) have been sent. For those wishing to observe in real time, please use the following link: https://www.liveeventstream.online/planning-inspectorate-hearings/longfield-solar-farm
Please note that the PM will start broadcasting LIVE once it opens at 10.00 on Monday 18 July 2022. If the Livestream doesn’t initially work, it may be resolved by refreshing the page.
If you have any issues with accessing the Livestream please contact the Case Team on 0303 444 5000.
Please note that the PM will start broadcasting LIVE once it opens at 10.00 on Monday 18 July 2022. If the Livestream doesn’t initially work, it may be resolved by refreshing the page.
If you have any issues with accessing the Livestream please contact the Case Team on 0303 444 5000.
18 July 2022
Preliminary Meeting takes place
18 July 2022
Examination begins
15 July 2022
Instructions for those wishing to participate in the Preliminary Meeting (PM) have been sent. For those wishing to observe in real time, please use the following link: https://www.liveeventstream.online/planning-inspectorate-hearings/longfield-solar-farm
Please note that the PM will start broadcasting LIVE once it opens at 10.00 on Monday 18 July 2022. If the Livestream doesn’t initially work, it may be resolved by refreshing the page.
If you have any issues with accessing the Livestream please contact the Case Team on 0303 444 5000.
Please note that the PM will start broadcasting LIVE once it opens at 10.00 on Monday 18 July 2022. If the Livestream doesn’t initially work, it may be resolved by refreshing the page.
If you have any issues with accessing the Livestream please contact the Case Team on 0303 444 5000.
5 July 2022
The Preliminary Meeting will be held on Monday 18 July 2022. Invitations to this meeting have been sent to Interested Parties.
The submissions for Procedural Deadline A has been published.
The submissions for Procedural Deadline A has been published.
20 June 2022
The Preliminary Meeting will be held on Monday 18 July 2022. Invitations to this meeting have been sent to Interested Parties.
The notification of Preliminary Meeting (Rule 6 letter) has been sent
Read the letter
The letter also includes the draft Examination Timetable and Initial Assessment of Principal Issues.
The notification of Preliminary Meeting (Rule 6 letter) has been sent
Read the letter
The letter also includes the draft Examination Timetable and Initial Assessment of Principal Issues.
20 June 2022
The notification of Preliminary Meeting (Rule 6 letter) has been sent.
The letter also includes the draft Examination Timetable and Initial Assessment of Principal Issues.
14 June 2022
Relevant representations published on the website
9 June 2022
As a result of difficulties for identified persons in submitting their relevant representation, the Planning Inspectorate has given an extension of time for the submission of those representation to 23:59 on Thursday 9 June 2022.
Please note that this extension applies only to identified persons who have been contacted about this extension by the Planning Inspectorate.
Please note that this extension applies only to identified persons who have been contacted about this extension by the Planning Inspectorate.
3 June 2022
Registration of interested parties closes
30 May 2022
IMPORTANT NOTICE: It has come to the Inspectorate’s attention that the online registration form for this project was unavailable from 29 May 2022 until 11:25 on 30 May 2022.
The registration form is now available again and the deadline for registration has been extended by a period equivalent to the time the form was unavailable, until 23:59 on 3 June 2022.
Should you have any remaining questions or difficulties in relation to registering your interest for this project, then please contact the Case Team as soon as possible.
The registration form is now available again and the deadline for registration has been extended by a period equivalent to the time the form was unavailable, until 23:59 on 3 June 2022.
Should you have any remaining questions or difficulties in relation to registering your interest for this project, then please contact the Case Team as soon as possible.
27 May 2022
This project is at the Pre-examination stage.
If you want to comment on this proposed project, you can now register to have your say. Registration will close at 23:59 on Thursday 2 June 2022.
If you want to comment on this proposed project, you can now register to have your say. Registration will close at 23:59 on Thursday 2 June 2022.
24 May 2022
We are planning some improvement on the registration service on 27th May at 1 pm. The service will be unavailable for a few minutes. If you are working on your registration close to the planned time, you must save and exit before the service closes or your answers will not be saved.
14 April 2022
Registration of interested parties begins
28 March 2022
The application has been accepted for examination
1 March 2022
This application was received by the Planning Inspectorate on Monday 28 February 2022.
The application documents will be made available if the application is accepted for examination.
It is for the Applicant to decide whether or not application documents can be published upon submission (see government’s Planning Act 2008: guidance on the Pre-application process).
The application documents will be made available if the application is accepted for examination.
It is for the Applicant to decide whether or not application documents can be published upon submission (see government’s Planning Act 2008: guidance on the Pre-application process).
28 February 2022
Application received by the Planning Inspectorate