Meridian Solar is classified as an NSIP due to it having a proposed generation capacity exceeding 50 MW and because it will involve the installation of an above ground electric line greater than two kilometres (km) in length.
As an NSIP, approval must be secured by applying to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for a Development Consent Order (DCO).
The Secretary of State will appoint an independent Examining Authority to scrutinise the development consent application, and ask the Planning Inspectorate to run the examination of the DCO application. Following this period of examination, the Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State as to whether to grant development consent.
You can also read more information about the DCO planning process on the Planning Inspectorate’s website here.
