Update - September 2026
Examination hearings September 2026
A series of hearings for the examination of the Lime Down Solar Park Development Consent Order application will take place in September 2026. The hearings will be held at The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon, SN5 8UB, with the option to join virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Week commencing 14 September
Tuesday 15 September – Issue Specific Hearing 5: environmental matters, including landscape and visual impacts, cultural heritage, and hydrology, flood risk and drainage. Starts at 9.30am, with registration from 9.00am.
Wednesday 16 September – Issue Specific Hearing 6: environmental matters, including traffic and transportation. Starts at 9.30am, with registration from 9.00am.
Thursday 17 September – Issue Specific Hearing 7: environmental matters, including outline management and mitigation plans. Starts at 9.30am, with registration from 9.00am.
Anyone wishing to speak at these hearings should notify the Planning Inspectorate by Monday 7 September 2026. The hearings will also be livestreamed for those wishing to watch without speaking.
Click here to notify the Planning Inspectorate.
Week commencing 21 September
Tuesday 22 September – Issue Specific Hearing 8: socio-economics, ecology and biodiversity, with an opportunity for additional Affected Persons or Interested Parties arising from the change request to make representations on earlier hearing matters where required. Starts at 9.30am, with registration from 9.00am.
Tuesday 22 September – Open Floor Hearing 3: for additional Affected Persons or Interested Parties arising from the Applicant’s change request. Starts at 4.00pm, with registration from 3.30pm.
Wednesday 23 September – Compulsory Acquisition Hearing 2: open to Affected Persons, including those arising from the change request. Starts at 9.30am, with registration from 9.00am.
Wednesday 23 September – Issue Specific Hearing 9: the draft Development Consent Order and any other matters. Starts at 2.00pm, with registration from 1.30pm. The hearing may continue on Thursday 24 September from 9.30am, if required.
Anyone wishing to speak at these hearings should notify the Planning Inspectorate by Thursday 17 September 2026. All hearings can also be joined virtually and will be livestreamed on the Planning Inspectorate’s Lime Down Solar Park project page.
Click here to notify the Planning Inspectorate.
For further information about the hearings, including how to attend or participate, please see the Rule 13(6) hearing notices on the Documents - Examination webpage by clicking here.