A group of goats grazes in a field near solar panels under a clear sky, showcasing a blend of nature and renewable energy.
Lumiere Solar farm | RWE in the UK

In development | Solar Farm

Lostrigg Solar Farm

Phase Two (Statutory) Consultation

Our Phase Two (Statutory) Consultation is now closed, having run for six weeks from Wednesday 19th March to Wednesday 30th April 2025.


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.

Following the increase in the solar project generating capacity threshold under the Planning Act 2008 from 50 MW to 100 MW, RWE now intends to seek consent for Lostrigg Solar under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. For more information, please visit the FAQs page of the website.

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 concluded our second phase of community consultation, which ran for six weeks, between Wednesday 19th March and Wednesday 30th April 2025. We welcomed feedback from interested parties and communities surrounding the site, and remain committed to undertaking a transparent and rigorous consultation process.

You may have seen that RWE has withdrawn Lostrigg Solar from the Planning Inspectorate’s list of active projects; this is due to a decision to progress Lostrigg Solar as a TCPA (Town and Country Planning Act) project, instead of as an NSIP (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project).

Following the increase in the solar project generating capacity threshold under the Planning Act 2008 from 50 MW to 100 MW, RWE intends to seek consent for Lostrigg Solar under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

A planning application will be submitted to Cumberland Council, the host local planning authority, rather than applying for a Development Consent Order under the Planning Act 2008. Following this change, the project will now be paused until the Autumn of this year, with a further update on next steps provided prior to this.

We want to reassure you that all feedback received during Phase Two Consultation will be duly considered, and we will continue to engage with all those who have an interest in the project.

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:

  • Three areas of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

  • Co-located battery energy storage system (BESS) which will serve to improve reliability and efficiency of electricity supply

  • An on-site substation

  • Two 132kV pylons (existing or replacement)

  • Cabling to connect the panel areas to each other and the existing Electricity North West (ENW) network

  • A range of supporting infrastructure, including inverters and security measures such as fencing, CCTV and lighting

  • And environmental mitigation and enhancement measures such as biodiversity net gain, a permissive path and additional planting.

Site Location

Lostrigg Solar is to be located on land alongside the A595, between Little Clifton and Branthwaite, in Cumbria. The site we are considering has an area of 417 hectares of land, though we expect this area to reduce as we progress through the application process.

The draft Order Limits comprise three Panel Areas – the Northern Panel Area, Central Panel Area and Southern Panel Area.

  • Northern Panel Area – approximately 450m to the south of Little Clifton
  • Central Panel Area – approximately 800m north west of Branthwaite
  • Southern Panel Area – approximately 220m north-east of Lillyhall Industrial Estate and 1.5km west of Branthwaite

The site location map shows the extent of the land available for the proposed solar farm, battery storage and its grid connection.


Project benefits

A simple blue icon of a birdhouse with a bird inside the circular opening.

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
Simple graphic of two stylised trees and a directional sign with arrows, set against a white background.

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
A simple line drawing of a sheep with a rounded body, four legs, and a smiling face.

Grazing

Allow continued agricultural use by exploring opportunities to retain grazing under solar panels.

Show less
Grazing
A blue-lined illustration of a coin featuring the pound sterling symbol (£) in the centre, set on a plain white background.

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
A man wearing a dark suit and light shirt, posing against a plain white background. Portrait of Michael Baker.
Michael Baker

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

FREEPOST LOSTRIGG SOLAR