A recommendation report by the Planning Inspectorate for a proposal of what could become England's largest solar farm is now being considered by Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The proposed Green Hill Solar Farm would cover about 2,965 acres (1,200 hectares) of land south and west of Wellingborough and north of Northampton.
It would also extend to include land to the north east of Warrington a hamlet in Buckinghamshire.
Ed Miliband will review the report and must make the final decision within three months.
The size of the project means that recommendations for the scheme would be made by the Planning Inspectorate, rather than local planning authorities.
A final decision is expected from Miliband by autumn at the latest.
The examination stage took more than five months to complete, opening in October 2025 and closing in April.
More than 1,200 people and businesses sent comments to the Planning Inspectorate about the plans.
Campaigners opposing the proposal argued that solar panels up to 4.5m high could "devastate the Northamptonshire countryside".
Green Hill Solar said the farm would "benefit Britain with clean, secure, low-cost energy".
If the solar farm was approved, construction would begin in 2027 with the aim of providing electricity to homes by 2029, the company said.
Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below.
Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
A fast-paced investigation into the boy's death is under way, says Ch Insp Nicola Davis-Lyons.
Wiltshire Council has approved plans for 3,582 panels at the Lyneham site.
The firm behind the project says it wants "to allow more time to talk with local residents".
Home Instead in Northampton is rated as "outstanding" by the Care Quality Commission.
After 700 objections, councillors rejected an application on the grounds of harm to the landscape.
Copyright 2026 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
 

source