Heckington Fen Solar Park Order Gets Crucial Corrections: What You Need to Know

In a recent move to refine and perfect the Heckington Fen Solar Park Order 2025, the UK government has issued a Correction Order (Statutory Instrument 2025 No. 482). This adjustment, effective from 14th April 2025, addresses a series of correctable errors in the original development consent granted under the Planning Act 2008.

Why the Correction?

The need for these corrections was identified after a formal request from the applicant, highlighting various errors and omissions in the original document. This proactive step ensures that the development consent aligns perfectly with legal requirements and operational expectations.

Who Was Informed?

The Secretary of State informed the relevant local planning authorities, including Lincolnshire County Council, North Kesteven District Council, and Boston Borough Council, about the corrections. This transparency ensures all parties are on the same page concerning the amendments.

The Corrections at a Glance

The corrections span across multiple parts and articles of the original Order. Here's a quick summary of key changes:

1. Terminology Adjustments: Several references to "paragraph" have been corrected to "sub-paragraph" to ensure precise legal language (e.g., Part 3, article 12(2) and Part 4, article 14(10)).

2. Geographical Coordinates: Latitude and longitude coordinates for specific project works have been amended from 'E' to 'W', which is crucial for accurate geographical referencing (e.g., Schedule 1, defined terms "Work No. 5A" and "Work No. 5B").

3. Defined Terms and References: Enhancements in clarity have been made by specifying entities such as "National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc" and correcting article references (e.g., Schedule 13, Part 1, and Part 3).

4. Protective Work and Consent Transfers: Revisions in wording ensure the correct representation of protective works to buildings and the consent process for transferring benefits of the Order (e.g., Schedule 13, Part 3, and Part 12).

Why It Matters

These corrections are more than just technicalities. They ensure the legal robustness of the development consent, which is crucial for the Heckington Fen Solar Park's progression. By rectifying these errors, the government safeguards the project's compliance with statutory requirements, thereby supporting sustainable infrastructure development.

For those interested in the nitty-gritty details or who wish to access the full correction schedule, the document is publicly available through the UK legislation website at legislation.gov.uk.

With these corrections, the Heckington Fen Solar Park Order is now better positioned to contribute to the UK's renewable energy landscape, aligning with the nation's goals for energy security and sustainability.