Development Process

Because Kilnside would generate more than 50MW of energy, it is considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). The planning regime for NSIPs is set by the Planning Act 2008 and requires us to apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to build, operate and decommission it. 

Applying for consent

Unlike planning applications which are determined by local authorities, DCOs are determined at the national level. 

  • We will submit our DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), an independent body that administers the process of reviewing and examining the DCO application on behalf of the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Secretary of State). 
  • An Examining Authority will be appointed to review and examine the DCO application. 
  • After examination, the Examining Authority will make a recommendation about whether to approve the project, before a final decision is made by the Secretary of State. 

Visit the PINS website for more information about the DCO process here.

Protecting the environment

Due to its size, we are required to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Kilnside.  The EIA will assess the likely significant effects that the project would have on the environment throughout the project’s lifetime during construction, operation, and decommissioning. If any potential significant impacts are identified, then we must also explain how we would avoid, reduce or mitigate them. In addition, any positive impacts connected to the project, for instance beneficial effects related to climate change, energy security and biodiversity, will also be assessed and identified as part of the EIA process. 

Scoping

In June 2025, we submitted a formal request to the Planning Inspectorate for a Scoping Opinion, accompanied by our Scoping Report. This report outlined our proposed approach and methodology for carrying out the EIA for Kilnside and provided an early view of the potential environmental impacts associated with the project. 

In July 2025, the Planning Inspectorate issued the Scoping Opinion for the project, which sets out the expectations and requirements for how we should proceed with the EIA process. This guidance is helping to shape the scope and focus of our ongoing environmental assessment work. 

Preliminary Results

We expect to present the preliminary results of our EIA as part of our statutory consultation before we submit our DCO application. 

Environmental Statement (ES)

The results of the EIA will be submitted as part of our DCO application. 

Consulting with local communities and experts

Before we submit our DCO application, the Planning Act 2008 requires us to consult on our project with local authorities, technical bodies and local communities. This pre-application consultation is an important part of the development of Kilnside, to ensure that valuable local knowledge is built into the design. 

Early engagement

We recently held a series of Design Workshops to discuss our early design ideas with local stakeholders and the nearest neighbours to the proposed development site. We will continue to engage directly with our neighbours, local authorities and expert bodies to secure their input as we develop our design. 

Consultation

In early 2026 we will consult on our updated proposals and the initial results of our EIA. Feedback from this consultation will be incorporated into the final design that we submit as part of the DCO application. 

Note

The requirements around pre-application consultation for NSIPs are currently proposed to change. While the new guidance on consultation has yet to be finalised, we will ensure that our approach to consultation is fully aligned with statutory requirements and guidance at the time we consult. 

Scoping

Summer 2025

Stakeholder engagement

Autumn 2025

Consultation

Early 2026

DCO Submission

Autumn 2026

SoS Decision

Spring 2028

Consultation is an important part of the development process for Kilnside. Feedback from local authorities, technical bodies and local communities will help inform our proposals.