Fenwick Solar Farm DCO in Doncaster from 11 March 2026

On 18 February 2026 the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero signed the Fenwick Solar Farm Order 2026, which takes effect on 11 March 2026. This is a Development Consent Order (DCO) made under the Planning Act 2008 after an examination by the Planning Inspectorate. The Order is published on legislation.gov.uk and is signed by David Wagstaff of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

What gets built? A ground‑mounted solar photovoltaic station with a gross electrical output over 50 megawatts, supported by battery energy storage, an on‑site substation and connection works. The Order allows one of two grid options: either a new underground 400kV cable to National Grid’s Thorpe Marsh Substation, or a link to an existing 400kV overhead line tower on site-but not both.

If you’re new to the system, think of a DCO as a one‑stop permission for nationally significant projects. It grants planning consent and some extra powers (such as land acquisition or temporary road and path controls) while locking in a long list of ‘requirements’-the equivalent of planning conditions-that the City of Doncaster Council must approve before different stages go ahead.

Land and powers matter for students of civics. The Order authorises compulsory purchase of land, new rights and restrictive covenants, and lets the promoter take temporary possession to build and maintain the scheme. There’s a five‑year window from the date the Order is made to use those powers, and a financial guarantee or other security must be in place first so compensation can be paid.

Living or farming nearby? The promoter must give at least 14 days’ notice before entering land for surveys or trial holes and must compensate for loss or damage. It can carry out protective works to buildings if needed, and if those works prove inadequate within five years of commissioning, further compensation is due. Disputes over compensation go to the Lands Chamber of the Upper Tribunal.

Roads and traffic will be managed during construction. The Order permits street works to lay cables and apparatus, alter kerbs or verges and install temporary traffic measures. Doncaster’s permit scheme still applies (with tweaks to avoid unreasonable refusals). Speed limits, waiting restrictions and diversions can be introduced after consulting the police and highway authorities, with advance public notices.

Public rights of way can be temporarily closed or diverted to build the project, but pedestrian access to homes must be kept. Permanent stopping up is only allowed once a new route is built and open. A Public Rights of Way Management Plan must be approved, and the scheme can provide permissive paths and signage to help people move around safely.

Environment rules you can point to in class are explicit. A Landscape and Ecological Management Plan is required, and the project must deliver biodiversity net gain of at least 20% for habitats, 20% for hedgerows and 10% for watercourses, using Defra’s July 2025 statutory metric. There must also be an approved drainage strategy, a written scheme of investigation for archaeology, a Soil Management Plan and an operational noise assessment with mitigation to the levels in the Environmental Statement.

Batteries bring extra safeguards. Before the battery energy storage system is built, a battery safety management plan must be approved, with South Yorkshire Fire and the Environment Agency formally consulted. The Order anticipates bunded surfacing, fire‑water containment and access for emergency vehicles around the compound.

Trees, hedges and soils come with clear limits. The promoter may remove vegetation within the Order limits where reasonably necessary and must minimise damage and pay compensation if it occurs. Works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order are generally not allowed-unless the TPO was made after 31 October 2024 and the works are needed to prevent obstruction or risks to the project. A soils plan governs how ground is stored and reinstated.

Water and flood risk controls are layered. Discharges to watercourses, sewers or drains need the owner’s consent and must meet agreed standards. Separate protective provisions require approvals and stand‑off distances near main rivers and drainage works, and the Environment Agency can require temporary or permanent flood protection. Put simply: building near water involves extra checks and engineering steps.

Utilities and rail have special protection. Detailed provisions cover National Grid Electricity Transmission, Northern Powergrid, Network Rail and Exolum (the Government‑linked fuel pipeline operator). Plans must be approved, access kept open and the promoter usually pays for diversions or protection. There are extra rules near pylons and railways, and Exolum may suspend certain works at Government request in emergencies. National Grid can also require security and insurance before work starts near its assets.

Community and jobs are written in. A community liaison group must be set up before construction and kept running until final commissioning so neighbours can get updates and raise issues. A skills, supply chain and employment plan must be agreed and publicised to open up training and contract opportunities locally.

Timelines matter. Construction must begin within five years of 11 March 2026 or the consent lapses. The developer must tell the council within 10 working days when the project is finally commissioned. Decommissioning must start no later than 40 years after that commissioning date, guided by a decommissioning environmental management plan approved at least 12 months in advance, with an emphasis on resource use and recycling.

Study takeaways. This live case shows how a DCO bundles consent for a 50MW+ solar‑and‑battery scheme, enables temporary control of roads and paths, sets hard biodiversity net gain percentages, requires a battery safety plan and fixes a 40‑year decommissioning horizon-while keeping compensation, arbitration and local oversight in the frame. You can read the full legal text on legislation.gov.uk.