East Pye Solar Limited, a 100% subsidiary of IGP UK Projects Limited, is introducing plans for a utility scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project on land near Long Stratton in South Norfolk.
Known as East Pye Solar (the “Scheme”), the development would comprise the installation of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and a battery energy storage system (BESS) with infrastructure that connects the Scheme to the existing 400kV overhead line. This runs north to south between Norwich Main and Bramford substations.
East Pye Solar is anticipated as being able to deliver up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity. This is enough clean, reliable energy to power approximately 115,000 homes annually. The Scheme will make a significant contribution to meeting national targets to triple solar power to 50 GW by 2030 and decarbonise our electricity systems to reach net zero by 2050. It would also remove reliance on fuel imports, bolstering the UK’s energy security and protecting consumers from price volatility.
The size of the Scheme and potential energy generation means that East Pye Solar is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and must apply for planning permission by submitting an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO). This is determined by the Secretary of State at central government level, with the local authorities hosting the development acting as key consultees in that process.
Close of Phase Two (statutory) consultation
The Phase Two (statutory) consultation for East Pye Solar has now closed. The consultation ran for seven weeks, from Wednesday 18 June to Wednesday 6 August 2025, and we extend our sincere thanks to all those who participated.
We are really pleased with the significant level of engagement and responses we have received over the course of the consultation. We would like to thank everyone who took part, including those who have taken the time to provide feedback.
What happens next?
Now the consultation has closed, we will review all the feedback received alongside the findings from our ongoing environmental and technical assessments, to help finalise our detailed proposals for East Pye Solar. We will then submit our application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS).
Our final application will include a Consultation Report summarising the responses submitted to the consultation, along with an explanation of how we have taken those points into account to develop our final proposals for the Scheme.
We anticipate submitting our application in Q4 2025. After receiving our application, PINS has 28 days to decide whether to accept it so it can proceed to examination stage. If accepted, PINS will publish all the application documents on its website, including the Consultation Report – this will be the first opportunity for you to view our final documentation, which will be accessible on the Scheme page on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
Subject to our application being accepted for examination, you will have the opportunity to register with PINS to have your say at the pre-examination stage of the ongoing project development process. Information about how you can have your say at different stages of the development process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects can be found on PINS’ website.
When the examination process concludes, PINS will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) about whether the application should be approved. The decision on whether to grant final consent for East Pye Solar will be made by the Secretary of State for DESNZ.
Where we are now
Contributing to climate targets and decarbonising our electricity supply
East Pye Solar will contribute towards the UK Government’s goals of tripling solar power to 50GW by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Co-existing and enhancing the natural environment
East Pye Solar will be designed in a way that boosts and enhances local wildlife by delivering a net gain in biodiversity.
Norfolk’s diverse energy mix
East Pye Solar will boost Norfolk’s emerging renewable energy industry and will secure clean, affordable energy while providing investment and job opportunities in the county.
Community and local benefits
We are committed to working with the local community to identify and define community benefits.
Stay informed
To stay informed about East Pye Solar, you can sign up to receive updates directly to your inbox. Please click here to register with us and be kept up to date with any news and developments regarding the proposals.
To see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please visit our FAQ-dedicated page here. When the public consultation begins, all consultation materials will be available for you to print, view and download via our Documents webpage, available via this link.
Contact us
We have established dedicated communications lines for East Pye Solar, listed below, to ensure that you are always able to get in touch with a member of our stakeholder correspondence team, from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. In the meantime, please register with us via this link to be kept informed about East Pye Solar.
Please feel free to get in touch using any of the communications lines below. We look forward to hearing from you.
· Email: info@eastpyesolar.co.uk
· Freephone information line: 0808 281 3175
· Freepost: FREEPOST East Pye Solar