Work is ongoing to determine how the Scheme will connect to the existing National Grid Thorpe Marsh Substation, whether via underground cables or by connecting directly to an overhead line that passes across the east of the Solar PV Site.
Overview.
Project spans 536 hectares
Expected construction period of 24 months
Fully reversible development
Additional trees & hedgerows planted
Significant Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Community benefit fund for local causes
Contributing to the UK's Net Zero target
The Scheme will generate low carbon electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on land to the east of Fenwick, in the north of the City of Doncaster borough near the town of Askern and the smaller villages of Moss, Topham and Sykehouse. PV modules will generate the electricity and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be installed allowing the storage, export and import of electricity to/from the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS). Work is ongoing to determine how the Scheme will connect to the existing National Grid Thorpe Marsh Substation, whether via underground cables or by connecting directly to an overhead line that passes across the east of the Solar PV Site.
The total land area required (including cable routes) is approximately 536 hectares. As the UK is currently a net importer of electricity, this scheme will play a crucial role in enhancing national energy security and supporting the transition to a clean, self-sufficient energy system.
The design has been guided by a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment and shaped through multiple rounds of public consultation. Measures such as buffer zones, screening vegetation, and the retention of existing hedgerows will help minimise visual impacts and maintain the rural character of the area. The development will also support local biodiversity through the creation of wildlife habitats, including new grassland and woodland areas.
- The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) accepted the application for Examination, marking the start of the formal planning process.
- Moving into the Recommendation phase ahead of the statutory timeframe, the Examining Authority (ExA) completed its review of the application, gathered and assessed evidence, and considered written representations and submissions made at public hearing.
- The ExA submitted its Recommendation Report to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, following the conclusion of the Examination.
- The Secretary of State granted a Development Consent Order for Fenwick Solar Farm.
See: Fenwick Solar Farm Limited Development Consent Order 2026.
All relevant documents - including the final DCO, the Secretary of State’s Decision Letter, the Examining Authority’s Recommendation Report, and all application and examination materials - are available on the Planning Inspectorate’s dedicated project webpage. Local residents and community members can continue to contact us if they have any questions about the project.
Work is ongoing to determine how the Scheme will connect to the existing National Grid Thorpe Marsh Substation, whether via underground cables or by connecting directly to an overhead line that passes across the east of the Solar PV Site.
Timeline.
- Development
- Planning Submission
- Acceptance
- Examination
- Recommendation
- Decision
- Construction
The Scheme will generate low carbon electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on land to the east of Fenwick, in the north of the City of Doncaster borough near the town of Askern and the smaller villages of Moss, Topham and Sykehouse. PV modules will generate the electricity and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be installed allowing the storage, export and import of electricity to/from the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS). Work is ongoing to determine how the Scheme will connect to the existing National Grid Thorpe Marsh Substation, whether via underground cables or by connecting directly to an overhead line that passes across the east of the Solar PV Site.
The total land area required (including cable routes) is approximately 536 hectares. As the UK is currently a net importer of electricity, this scheme will play a crucial role in enhancing national energy security and supporting the transition to a clean, self-sufficient energy system.
The design has been guided by a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment and shaped through multiple rounds of public consultation. Measures such as buffer zones, screening vegetation, and the retention of existing hedgerows will help minimise visual impacts and maintain the rural character of the area. The development will also support local biodiversity through the creation of wildlife habitats, including new grassland and woodland areas.
- The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) accepted the application for Examination, marking the start of the formal planning process.
- Moving into the Recommendation phase ahead of the statutory timeframe, the Examining Authority (ExA) completed its review of the application, gathered and assessed evidence, and considered written representations and submissions made at public hearing.
- The ExA submitted its Recommendation Report to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, following the conclusion of the Examination.
- The Secretary of State granted a Development Consent Order for Fenwick Solar Farm.
See: Fenwick Solar Farm Limited Development Consent Order 2026.
All relevant documents - including the final DCO, the Secretary of State’s Decision Letter, the Examining Authority’s Recommendation Report, and all application and examination materials - are available on the Planning Inspectorate’s dedicated project webpage. Local residents and community members can continue to contact us if they have any questions about the project.