Major 675-hectare solar farm proposal near Buckingham moves to next stage as application accepted for examination
A proposal to build one of the region’s largest renewable energy schemes has taken a step forward after the Secretary of State formally accepted an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Rosefield Solar Farm, a huge photovoltaic and energy-storage project planned on land south of Buckingham.
The application, submitted by Rosefield Energyfarm Limited, was lodged on 26 September 2025 and accepted for examination on 23 October 2025 under the Planning Act 2008 (Reference: EN010158).
Because the scheme would generate more than 50MW of electricity, it qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning final approval will be made by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero rather than the local authority.
The proposed development covers approximately 675 hectares within 1.5km of several villages including Steeple Claydon, East Claydon, Botolph Claydon and Calvert, all within Buckinghamshire Council’s area. If approved, it would involve the construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of a large solar PV array, battery storage facilities and supporting infrastructure, along with an underground cable connection to the National Grid East Claydon Substation.
The DCO, if granted, would also provide powers for compulsory acquisition of land, temporary and permanent use of land, the creation of new access routes, changes to street layouts, temporary closures and enhancements to public rights of way, and the removal of hedgerows.
Because the project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment, a full Environmental Statement forms part of the submission. All documents—including the draft DCO, plans, maps and technical assessments—are available online on the National Infrastructure Planning website.
Electronic copies can also be viewed free of charge at libraries in Winslow, Buckingham, Bicester and Aylesbury during normal opening hours, and residents may request a free USB copy from the applicant.
Members of the public, landowners and organisations now have until 11:59pm on 12 December 2025 to submit what is known as a relevant representation. This sets out comments, support, objections or other points they wish the Examining Authority to consider.
Representations must be submitted using the Planning Inspectorate’s official Registration and Relevant Representation Form, available via the project page on the National Infrastructure Planning website.
Further guidance on how to register is available from the Planning Inspectorate.
To view more planning applications from your area visit the Public Notice Portal.