Learn how we helped secure consent for a major new solar and energy storage park – supporting the UK’s drive towards decarbonisation.
In Lincolnshire, near the village of Gate Burton, a major new solar and energy storage park is proposed to help meet the UK’s clean energy goals.
Gate Burton Energy Park, led by UK-based renewable energy company Low Carbon, is anticipated to have a generation capacity of around 500 megawatts (MW) – enough to power over 160,000 homes and avoid more than 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
We were appointed by Low Carbon as lead consultant for the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. Our unrivalled expertise in leading energy NSIPs (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects) and carrying out environmental assessments helped to secure planning consent for the scheme – which was granted in July 2024.
Why is Gate Burton Energy Park needed?
As energy security and climate change dominate the global agenda, the UK must rapidly expand renewable generation while maintaining a reliable, low-carbon energy supply. Meeting this ambition will require large-scale infrastructure to deliver clean power efficiently and at pace.
Gate Burton Energy Park is set to play a key role in achieving this. Covering approximately 824 hectares (around 1,150 football pitches), the site will host both solar generation and battery storage infrastructure. Once operational, it will contribute to the UK’s target of increasing solar capacity fivefold by 2035 and support the government’s ambition to deliver a predominantly clean electricity system by 2030.
The site will include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and an on-site substation. The PV panels will convert solar energy into electricity for storage in the BESS or direct export to the National Grid via an underground cable – helping to maximise renewable energy use and improve grid reliability.
Our track record of supporting 100+ solar projects, including 14 solar NSIPs ensured we were well placed to steer the project successfully throughout the complex DCO process.
A single partner for the entire DCO journey
With a generating capacity exceeding 50 megawatts (MW), Gate Burton Energy Park qualifies as an NSIP and therefore requires development consent under the Planning Act 2008.
As lead consultant for the DCO application process, we worked closely with Low Carbon, guiding them throughout the entire journey – from initial site feasibility and environmental assessments through to submission, examination and final consent.
To achieve this, we provided a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA), which involved the coordination of several environmental surveys.
Our track record of supporting more than 100 solar projects, including 14 solar NSIPs – such as Sunnica Energy Farm and Longfield Solar Farm – ensured we were well placed to steer the project successfully throughout this complex process.
Mitigating environmental impacts and addressing community concerns
Delivering a project of this scale and complexity is never without challenges. The site’s proximity to residential properties, sensitive ecological areas, ancient woodland, heritage assets and neighbouring solar projects required careful design and collaboration to minimise environmental effects.
As part of the EIA, we led a multidisciplinary team to assess the potential effects of the project on the environment – including landscape, biodiversity, water resources, heritage and local communities, among others – and worked closely with the client, landowners and key stakeholders to help identify and mitigate impacts, where possible.
Using this data, the design was refined to avoid sensitive areas and minimise disruption. For example, the overall project area was reduced from an initial 1,436 hectares to 824 hectares, helping to limit land use and lessen impacts on habitats and nearby residents.
The locations of the substation and BESS were also selected to avoid flood risk zones and areas where the infrastructure would be highly visible, using existing landforms and vegetation to screen it.
Given the proximity of Gate Burton Energy Park to other major solar NSIPs (Tillbridge Solar, Cottam Solar Project and West Burton Solar Project) and the potential for cumulative effects, we worked with the neighbouring developers to improve the schemes and reduce environmental effects.
A key example was agreeing to use a shared grid connection corridor, which avoids the need for multiple separate cable routes. This collaborative approach will reduce disruption for local communities, limit impacts on wildlife and habitats, and protect archaeologically sensitive areas once construction begins.
Additionally, the design incorporates biodiversity measures in line with national policy, including wildflower grasslands and strips of land at the edges of fields managed to support pollinators and other wildlife.
Leaving a positive legacy
Thanks to our solar NSIP expertise, local knowledge and close collaboration with Low Carbon, Gate Burton Energy Park is now one step closer to realisation.
Once operational, the project will not only generate clean energy but also bring socio-economic benefits to the local area. More than 350 jobs will be supported per year during peak construction, providing a valuable economic boost to the region.
Ultimately, by combining large-scale solar generation with battery storage, Gate Burton Energy Park will help stabilise energy supply and demand – supporting the UK’s transition to a more secure and low-carbon energy system.