The project, comprising solar arrays and on-site battery energy storage on land at Aldington, near Ashford in Kent, will have an export capacity of up to 99.9MW. The Secretary of State agreed with the recommendation of the Examining Authority that development consent should be granted, ascribing substantial positive weight to the need case for the proposed development and finding that the overall planning balance came down in favour of consent. There was also found to be a compelling case in the public interest for the compulsory acquisition and temporary possession powers sought. The decision was made nearly three weeks early.

The decision letter can be found here.

Hugh Flanagan appeared at the examination for the applicant, Evolution Power Limited, instructed by Charlotte Dyer at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP and alongside a team from Quod led by Matt Sharpe.