Our Phase Two (Statutory) Consultation is now live, running for six weeks from Wednesday 19th March to Wednesday 30th April 2025.
We want to hear your feedback on our updated proposals for Lostrigg Solar
Phase Two (Statutory) Consultation
Project Overview
RWE is developing proposals for a new solar farm with co-located energy storage in Cumbria. The solar farm, named Lostrigg Solar, is to be located on land alongside the A595, between Little Clifton and Branthwaite.
With a possible generation capacity of up to 100 megawatts (MW) AC, Lostrigg Solar will provide clean, affordable energy for around 45,000 homes and businesses. In doing so, the project will support national and regional aims to decarbonise our electricity system and improve our energy security.
Facts & figures
Up to
00
MW
of clean energy
Over
00
homes and businesses
powered with electricity
Over
00
M tonnes
of CO₂ displaced from equivalent fossil fuel energy
Where we are now
We have now launched our second phase of community consultation, running for six weeks, between Wednesday 19th March and Wednesday 30th April 2025.
We welcome feedback from all interested parties and communities surrounding the site and are committed to undertaking a transparent and rigorous consultation process, which involves engaging with the local planning authority, statutory consultees, community groups and educational providers.
As part of our second phase of community consultation, we have published a series of documents that provide further information on our updated proposals, these include the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR), Draft Design Approach Document (DAD), and Draft Policy Compliance Document (PCD). We have also published community consultation materials, such as a consultation leaflet (providing an overview of our proposals for Lostrigg Solar and information on how to take part in our consultation) and feedback form (so anyone interested in the project can share their views on our proposals). All consultation materials are available to view, download, and print via the documents page of our project dedicated website.
During our Phase Two Consultation, we will be holding a series of three in-person exhibition events and one online event in the form of a webinar, providing opportunities for the community and key stakeholders alike to find out more information about the proposals and provide their feedback. For more information, please click here.
We want to hear your feedback on our refined proposals to help inform and influence the final design. You can complete a feedback form at any of our in-person exhibition events, or online via this link, or by email or freepost by downloading a copy of our feedback form and sending this to us via email or freepost at the address below. The deadline to submit feedback is Wednesday 30 April 2025.
Your feedback is integral to the development of Lostrigg Solar in shaping a strong set of proposals that respect the concerns of the local community, while generating clean, renewable electricity.
This website will be updated as more information about the project becomes available. If you would like to be updated as new information becomes available, please register your contact details with us here.
Once constructed, Lostrigg Solar would comprise:
Site Location
Lostrigg Solar is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) because it would generate more than 50 MW of electricity. This means that we will be applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) through the Planning Inspectorate. Our DCO application is planned to be submitted in the second half of 2025. Prior to this, we will engage with local communities and consultees on our proposals for Lostrigg Solar.
We are committed to working collaboratively with local communities and statutory stakeholders throughout the development of the project to create sustainable energy solutions, while also minimising adverse impacts on the local environment and surrounding communities.
Project benefits
Biodiversity Net Gain
Lostrigg Solar will deliver an increase in biodiversity of at least 10% compared to current levels, through the provision of species rich grassland and planting of mature trees and hedgerows.
Show less
Biodiversity Net Gain
Green Infrastructure
Explore opportunities to enhance green infrastructure, such as introduce new a new permissive path, woodland blocks and hedgerow planting.
Show less
Green Infrastructure
Grazing
Allow continued agricultural use by exploring opportunities to retain grazing under solar panels.
Show less
Grazing
Comunity benefit fund
A dedicated £1.6million community benefit fund to support local initiatives. We want to hear your views on how this should be spent.
Show less
Community Benefit Fund
DCO Process
Following this phase of consultation our team will further develop the proposals for Lostrigg Solar. This will involve considering all comments we receive through consultation and the results of ongoing assessments.
Lostrigg Solar is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means that for permission to construct and operate the project to be granted, a DCO application has to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate – a government agency – and will ultimately be determined by the Secretary of State.
The government is currently considering changes to the thresholds for solar projects which are considered NSIPs. Should any change be adopted which impacts Lostrigg Solar, RWE will communicate this to the local community ahead of any application being made to the Local Planning Authority.
We plan to submit a DCO application in the Autumn of this year. This application will include important documents such as an Environmental Statement (setting out how the project has been assessed and how potential impacts have been mitigated) and a Consultation Report (describing how feedback has been considered in finalising the proposals).
Michael Baker
Project Manager
Lostrigg Solar
I’m Michael, the DCO Project Manager for Lostrigg Solar. As the Project Manager for this project, I am committed to working collaboratively with local communities to ensure their voices are heard. My passion lies in creating sustainable energy solutions while also minimising adverse impacts on the local environment and surrounding communities. If you have any questions for our project team, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the communications channels listed below.
www.lostriggsolar.com
www.lostriggsolar.com
FREEPOST LOSTRIGG SOLAR