Powering a reliable energy
future for the UK

Project Update – Summer 2026

Throughout the summer, we have engaged with local authorities and technical stakeholders to help inform the design of the Scheme and our approach to surveys and assessments. Feedback received from host authorities has been incorporated into our ongoing assessments, including additional landscape viewpoints and agreed locations for noise monitoring and traffic surveys. We are also continuing to engage with potentially affected landowners over access to progress environmental surveys across the underground cable route corridor, collating results alongside surveys on the solar sites, that will assist in the ongoing Scheme design process.

In late July, we held a further round of parish council briefings for parish councils across the project area. These sessions built on the introductions made earlier this year and provided an opportunity to share an update on environmental surveys, technical assessments, and the emerging Scheme design ahead of our public consultation. Parish councillors and clerks asked questions and provided local insight, helping us to better understand issues that are important to communities across the project area.

We are now preparing for our next key project milestone: a formal public consultation expected to launch in September 2026. In advance of this, we are refining our draft Scheme design and supporting environmental information, as well as preparing consultation materials and arranging local events. We look forward to sharing more information with communities shortly and will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Site Surveys and Parish Council Updates – April / May 2026

Throughout April and May, we carried out a range of surveys across the proposed site to help inform the Scheme design.

The surveys included geophysical mapping to assist with archaeological assessments, alongside ecological surveys to better understand local wildlife and habitats in the area. These included surveys for breeding birds, bats, otters, water voles, Great Crested Newts (GCN) and other protected species. As part of the bat surveys, monitoring equipment was placed around the site to record activity, and you may have noticed surveyors working in the area during this time.

In April, we also began introducing ourselves to local Parish Councils, sharing early information about our plans for Arrow Valley Solar. We’ll continue to engage with local communities as the project develops, before hosting a formal public consultation in late 2026.

Over the coming months, we will continue to carry out technical assessments and refine the project design. We will keep this website updated as we progress our work

Scoping Report, March 2026  

We have recently submitted our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). PINS will consider the report and provide a Scoping Opinion, which includes feedback on the initial proposals. You can find our Scoping Report along with the figures and appendices in our document library here.