Dean Moor Solar Farm is located between the villages of Gilgarran and Branthwaite in West Cumbria. If approved, the project will consist of the construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning of a solar energy generating station comprising solar photovoltaic (‘PV’) arrays, Battery Energy Storage System (‘BESS’), landscape and biodiversity enhancements, and other associated infrastructure (‘the Proposed Development’) on approximately 279.50 hectares (‘ha’) of land.

Our proposals

Site Concept Layout

Please refer to Figure 3.1 in the PEIR (available on our Documents page) for a non-stylised version of the proposed Concept Layout.

Indicative Timeline

Summer - Autumn 2023

Pre-Planning and Project Inception

3 October - 3 November 2023

Consideration of feedback and development of proposals

Non-Statutory Consultation

Winter 2023/24

ONGOING

Statutory Consultation

Winter 2024

Application Submission to Planning Inspectorate

Spring 2025

Examination overseen by Planning Inspectorate

The Planning Process

Dean Moor solar farm, due to its potential of generating over 50MW of electricity, is considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This classification requires the submission of a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the construction and operation of the solar farm. It's important to note that public consultation is an integral part of the DCO process, allowing for individuals to voice their thoughts.

The feedback we receive, combined with additional technical evaluations and environmental studies, will be taken into consideration when developing the final proposals before submitting the DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate. For further information on the planning process, please visit the Planning Inspectorate website: