Purpose

South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) is submitting an Adequacy of Consultation proforma and Covering Letter in response to the Planning Inspectorate’s letter seeking confirmation that the Applicant has complied with Sections 42, 47 and 48 of the Planning Act 2008. The Council’s response must be returned to PINS by 9 June 2026. The purpose of this exercise is to establish whether the basic procedural requirements of the legislation have been met. It does not discuss the principles or impacts of the proposed development.

Kingsway Solar Farm is a proposed 500MW solar farm, and Battery Energy Storage System, overhead power line connection to National Grid Burwell substation. The scheme qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project as it exceeds the threshold of 100MW. The project if approved could generate enough solar energy to power up to 175,000 homes annually.

As a Host Authority, SCDC has a key role in ensuring that the proposal aligns with local planning policies, supports sustainable development, secures essential mitigation measures and addresses potential impacts on South Cambridgeshire’s communities and environment. This is the first formal step towards the Development Consent Order Examination period.

SCDC considers that the Applicant has met the basic legal requirements for Consultation, however the Cover Letter raises ongoing concern about the Applicant’s pre-application engagement with the Council prior to submission.

Decision

Approve the submission of a representation by letter from Director of Planning as attached as Appendix A.

Reasons for the decision

It is considered the Applicant has met the legal requirements for Consultation under S. 42, 45 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

Alternative options considered

Option 1: To refuse the submission of the Adequacy of Consultation response.

Reason for Rejection: The Council’s response must be returned to PINS by 9 June 2026, if the AOCR is rejected by the Lead member then this matter would be escalated to the Leader of the Council for a decision.