The development consenting regime for an NSIP comes under the Planning Act 2008. This means that we need to submit an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to construct, operate and decommission East Pye Solar to the Planning Inspectorate rather than the local planning authority.

In the case of energy related NSIPs, the Planning Inspectorate acts on behalf of the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. The Planning Inspectorate will carry out an examination of our application and then make a final recommendation to the Secretary of State on whether to grant consent for East Pye Solar.

We expect the development process, including DCO submission and examination, to span two to three years. We intend to submit our application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2025. Subject to obtaining consent, the earliest construction would start is late 2027 or early 2028.

While the DCO application will not be submitted to the local authority, Norfolk County Council, South Norfolk Council and other stakeholder groups will play a key role in the planning process and will be extensively consulted as the project progresses.

You can find more information about the application process for NSIP projects on the Planning Inspectorate website.

Please see below our project timeline, noting that all dates are indicative and may be subject to change.