A major solar farm project in Nottinghamshire that developers say could generate enough energy to power 180,000 homes has taken a key step forward. The project would see large solar panels covering around 2,800 acres of land around the former Cottam Power Station, near Retford, which is due to be demolished after it closed in 2019.
Island Green Power are the developers behind the Cottam Solar Project, as well as a neighbouring solar project around the West Burton Power Station. In terms of the Cottam plans, Island Green Power says the Government has now accepted its application.
The Planning Inspectorate is the body which has accepted the application on behalf of the Secretary of State and this marks the first major step in the journey to the project receiving final approval. The plans will now go through a detailed examination stage, which the Planning Inspectorate has six months to carry out.
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A recommendation to the Secretary of State will then be made by the Planning Inspectorate within three months and once a final decision has been made, there is a six-week period for a legal challenge. If all stages go ahead in favour of Island Green Power's plans, construction is due to begin next year.
A spokesperson for the Cottam Solar Project said: "We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. We are grateful to everyone who has taken an interest in our proposals and has spent time engaging with us as we have worked to reach this stage.
"It has been a strong collective effort to submit a robust application for such an important renewable energy project. We are looking forward to working with our colleagues, examiners and interested parties to ensure that the Cottam Solar Project can be delivered in the best possible way."
Island Green Power is currently considering feedback acquired through six weeks of consultation on its West Burton plans. Last September, Bassetlaw's Conservative MP Brendan Clarke-Smith announced that 616 acres of top-grade farmland which was due to be included in the West Burton project had been removed from the plans.
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