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The public Examination for this Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) commenced 17 March 2026. It is currently scheduled to close on 21 August 2026. The Examination timetable and other information is available to view on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
Overview
BSSL Cambsbed 1 Limited (formerly RNA CAMBSBED1 Ltd) is proposing a Development Consent Order (DCO) to install solar photovoltaic panels and battery storage technology, as well as associated infrastructure which will connect to the national grid, in the district of Huntingdonshire, and over the border into Bedfordshire. The proposals will be determined by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The project falls into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process defined through the Planning Act 2008 (as amended), and will be considered under Part 3 Section 14 of the legislation because the generating station is located in England and has a generating capacity of over 50 megawatts (see section 15(2) of the 2008 Act). Responsibility for accepting and examining the NSIP application rests with the Secretary of State and not the local authorities, who are identified as statutory consultees, or ‘host’ authorities, in the NSIP process. There are three ‘host’ authorities (Cambridgeshire County Council, Bedford Borough Council and Huntingdonshire District Council) involved in this NSIP project. All three ‘host’ planning authorities are working together to ensure full scrutiny of this project is undertaken.
Have your say
It is important to note that as the ‘host’ planning authorities are not the determining authorities. Any correspondence in relation to this matter needs to be directed to BSSL Cambsbed 1 Limited in the first instance and then the Planning Inspectorate.
Details of BSSL Cambsbed 1 Limited proposals, including consultation material to date is available on the East Park Energy website.
Those that had registered as an interested party by the 14 January 2026 are able take part in the Examination that is currently taking place.
For further details of the NSIP process for this project, and how you get involved please visit the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) website.
Consultation
Prior to the application being submitted to the Planning Inspectorate Statutory Consultation was held between 24 September and 29 October 2024. An informal consultation was held between 17 October and 21 November 2023.
Examination
The Examination timetable can be viewed on the Planning Inspectorate’s web site under project information. The application and all material related to the Examination is recorded in the Examination Library (opens as PDF) and available for all to view.
During Examination, Cambridgeshire County Council will submit technical responses as required by the Planning Inspectorate. These will include a Local Impact Report, a Written Representation, and responses to the Examining Authority’s Questions.
The Examination is intended to close after five months, currently programmed for 21 August 2026. The Examining Authority will then have three months to write its summary report and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will have three months in which to make a decision. The Examining Authority’s recommendation report will only be made public once a decision has been made by the Secretary of State. The decision letter and recommendation report will be published on the Planning Inspectorate’s website and will be added to this project page.
