Inspectorate to examine plans for huge solar farm

The solar farm would be located along the A14, near Thrapston and Titchmarsh

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed it will examine plans for a major solar farm, which would be the largest in the UK if approved.

The proposed Green Hill Solar Farm facility would cover about 2,965 acres (1,200 hectares) of land south and west of Wellingborough and north of Northampton.

It will also extend to include land to the north east of Warrington in Buckinghamshire.

While the plans were being examined, members of the public, local authorities and other stakeholders could submit representations about the scheme.

The size of the project meant decisions and recommendations for the scheme will be made by the Planning Inspectorate, rather than local planning authorities.

It indicated that the pre-examination period could take up to three months.

North Northamptonshire Council said it was "engaging fully with the pre-examination process to ensure that the interests of the council and are residents are represented".

Milton Keynes Council and West Northamptonshire Council have been approached for comment.

Martin Griffiths, the leader of Reform UK-controlled North Northamptonshire Council, previously launched a petition against the plans when he was an independent councillor.

What are the plans?

Green Hill Solar Farm claimed the scheme was necessary to help the UK reach its net zero targets.

It said the site would have a maximum power output of 500MW.

The project was initially due to be based solely in Northamptonshire, but the developer said it had identified the site in Warrington as being "suitable" and added it to the plans last summer.

But the firm said it did not "currently have any intention to add further land to the scheme".

According to its website, if the solar farm is approved, construction would begin in 2027 with the aim of providing electricity to people's homes by 2029.