Energy secretary considers plans for solar farm

A recommendation report by the Planning Inspectorate for a proposal of what could become England's largest solar farm is now being considered by Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The proposed Green Hill Solar Farm would cover about 2,965 acres (1,200 hectares) of land south and west of Wellingborough and north of Northampton.

It would also extend to include land to the north east of Warrington a hamlet in Buckinghamshire.

Ed Miliband will review the report and must make the final decision within three months.

The size of the project means that recommendations for the scheme would be made by the Planning Inspectorate, rather than local planning authorities.

A final decision is expected from Miliband by autumn at the latest.

The examination stage took more than five months to complete, opening in October 2025 and closing in April.

More than 1,200 people and businesses sent comments to the Planning Inspectorate about the plans.

Campaigners opposing the proposal argued that solar panels up to 4.5m high could "devastate the Northamptonshire countryside".

Green Hill Solar said the farm would "benefit Britain with clean, secure, low-cost energy".

If the solar farm was approved, construction would begin in 2027 with the aim of providing electricity to homes by 2029, the company said.

Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.