Planning application has been submitted: What happens now?
On 21 May the planning application was submitted by Kingsway Solar to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). For those of you who registered will have received a notification from PINS shortly afterwards.
The project has now entered the Acceptance stage of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. During this stage, PINS has up to 28 days to decide whether the application meets the required standards to proceed to examination.
If you click on the PINS website, there is a useful section about this Acceptance stage.
It is important to note that acceptance does not mean approval. It simply marks the start of the formal planning process and the first opportunity for residents, parish councils and community groups to make their views known directly to decision-makers.
Important clarification on recent reporting: Despite some newspaper reports suggesting changes to residents’ rights in relation to solar farm developments, the NSIP planning process remains unchanged at this time.
The only change currently being discussed relates to a possible future limitation on the ability to bring a Judicial Review after a Development Consent Order has been granted, and after all stages of the planning process have been completed and approved by the Secretary of State.
No changes have been implemented. The existing NSIP process — including consultation, examination, and decision-making stages — continues to apply in full.
If the application is accepted, there will then be a 30-day period during which individuals can register as Interested Parties and submit comments, known as Relevant Representations. This will be your chance to voice your concerns directly within the planning process.
How will KSCA support you? KSCA will provide guidance, workshops and practical support to help residents participate effectively when the time comes. Please keep an eye on our website, social media channels and newsletters for workshop dates and further information.
Kingsway Solar: How Much Do You Know?
Thank you to everyone who visited the KSCA stand at the Balsham Red Balloon Sale on 17 May and took part in our “Did You Know?” quiz. It was a pleasure to speak with so many local residents about the proposed Kingsway Solar Farm and what it could mean for our communities.
If you missed us, don’t worry. Our “Did You Know?” campaign will continue over the coming weeks across Facebook, Instagram and our members’ WhatsApp group.
Our “Did You Know?” series aims to provide clear, accessible information about the proposals and the planning process
Follow us for facts, maps and updates—and separate the evidence from the claims—as the project moves into the next stage of the planning process.
Our legal work continues — we need your support to be prepared
KSCA continues to work with the Parish Council Alliance to appoint legal advisers and independent experts in key technical areas including hydrology, battery energy storage and landscape and visual impact. This expert evidence will be essential as the process moves forward and will help ensure local concerns are properly and rigorously represented.
If you are able to support this work, please consider contributing here
Every donation, large or small, helps strengthen our ability to represent the interests of local residents throughout the examination process.
Volunteers make a real difference
We are also looking for volunteers to help with leafleting, social media and upcoming community events and information sessions. If you can spare a few hours, please contact: hello@kingswayaction.org
Together, we can make sure our community is informed, prepared and heard.
Useful links
- Join KSCA: KSCA Membership Page
- Email updates: tinyurl.com/KSCAemails
- Planning Inspectorate project page: Kingsway Solar Project Page
- Legal fund appeal: CrowdJusticeCampaign