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PINS Examination Began on 21 April 2026
The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) began its Examination of the Lime Down Solar application on 21 April 2026. Throughout the Examination, independent inspectors are considering evidence submitted by the Applicant, local authorities, statutory bodies, technical experts, landowners, community groups and other Interested Parties before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Stop Lime Down has appointed specialist planning consultants, barristers and independent experts to ensure local concerns are fully represented throughout the Examination. Our Written Representations and supporting documents, together running to thousands of pages, set out detailed technical evidence on the proposed development's impacts on landscape, transport, ecology, flooding, heritage, agriculture and local communities.
The Hearings for this week are listed below.
THE EXAMINATION - timetable
- 21st April 2026 - Preliminary Meeting & First Hearings: Opening hearings before the Planning Inspectorate Examining Authority.
- 22 April 2026 - First Issue Specific Hearing.
- 1st May 2026 - Main Written Representations and Local Impact Reports submitted.
- 12th June 2026 - Responses to the ExA’s First Written Questions.
- 30 June - 3 July 2026 - Open Floor Hearing 2 and Issue Specific Hearings
- September - Further Hearings
- 2nd October 2026 - Final submissions and closing statements.
- 21st October 2026 - Close of Examination: Examination ends; recommendation then goes to the Secretary of State
- May 2027 - Secretary of State decision expected
Hearings This week
The next stage of the Examination will take place at Lydiad Park Conference Centre in Swindon. Members of the public who wish to observe the Hearings in person should contact the Planning Inspectorate to check whether spaces remain available. limedown@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Farmers and landowners will likely comment why they should not be subject to compulsory acquisition (similar to compulsory purchase) to acquire their land for use by the developer, and the economic, physical and emotional damage the compulsory acquisition will have on their livelihoods. SLD will not speak at this event.
Local residents, businesses and community organisations explain how the proposed development would affect their lives, livelihoods and wellbeing. Stop Lime Down Barrister will be speaking
Our independent landscape expert will explain why the proposed industrial-scale solar development is inappropriate for this nationally important landscape.
Our transport expert will examine the impacts of construction traffic on local roads, villages, cyclists and horse riders.
Our ecology expert will present evidence about the impact on wildlife, habitats and protected species.
This hearing considers the legal framework that would govern the development should consent be granted.
Click on green link to see the SLD Expert representations
