Highfield Energy Park

Latest updates

1. 1 Apr 26

   Appeal Withdrawn

   Prolonged delays and continued uncertainty within NESO’s Connections Reform process have made it difficult for this otherwise robust project to proceed at this time. These grid‑related challenges, particularly the repeated revisions to delivery timelines are the sole driver of this outcome. Withdrawing the appeal is therefore a responsible decision driven by project-specific grid connection related factors.

    

   Exagen retains full confidence in the planning merits of Highfield Energy Park as a well‑screened former coal mine presently comprised of low‑grade agricultural land. The site is free from major designations and is in a unique location outside the green belt to make use of existing grid infrastructure to generate the renewable energy we so urgently need. The benefits of the site were clearly recognised by the officer recommendation for approval last year, with the design changing positively in response to comments received ultimately resulting in all technical objections being lifted.

2. 14 Jan 26

   Appeal Submission

   Exagen Development Limited (the ‘Applicant’) has submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, against the refusal by Northumberland County Council for the Highfield Energy Park situated on Land at Whittonstall, Consett, Northumberland, DH8 9LQ.

   PINS have issued the start letter for the appeal which confirms the appeal will follow the written representations procedure. The key dates set out within the letter are:

   21st January – Deadline for LPA to submit their appeal questionnaire

   18th February – Deadline for LPA to submit their appeal statement and any representations from the public

   4th March – Deadline for Appellant and LPA to comment on public representations and the Appellant to comment on the LPA appeal statement.

   There is no anticipated decision date provided.

   Any questions regarding the development can continue to be directed to the project team: highfieldenergypark@exagen.co.uk

   For a link to the original application page with Northumberland County Council, which now includes all appeal documents, click here

   PINS Reference Number: APP/P2935/W/25/3376986

3. 5 Aug 25

   Northumberland County Council Refusal

   Planning Application refused on 5th August 2025.

   Planning Application Number: 23/01717/FUL

4. 7 Nov 24

   Amendment to planning application 23/01717/FUL

   Exagen have made amendments to the application and resubmitted documents to Northumberland County Council under application number 23/01717/FUL.

   The key updates are:

   The relocation of the BESS from the northern site (which will now just host the substation and Point of Connection (POC)) to the main site, with this infrastructure now located in the northern part of the solar farm.

   The new BESS compound is outside the Green Belt and has been designed to be compliant with the NFCC Safety Guidance.

   The drainage strategy has been updated and covers infrastructure in the northern site (substation) and the main site (solar farm and BESS compound).

   The layout of the solar panels has been considered and updated in line with improved panel technology and efficiency, this has resulted in a 10% reduction in panels allowing for increased offsets from boundary features.

   Any questions regarding the development can continue to be directed to the project team: highfieldenergypark@exagen.co.uk

   For a link to the application website click here 23/01717/FUL

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5. 30 May 23

   Confirmation of application

   Letter of Acknowledgment confirming validation of our application from Northumberland County Council. Our application reference number is 23/01717/FUL and the link to the application here.Exagen have made amendments to the application and resubmitted documents to Northumberland County Council under application number 23/01717/FUL.

   Any representations or comments on the application from interested parties should be submitted directly to the Council using the online form under the ‘Comments’ section on the application link, or in writing by letter (Northumberland County Council, Development Management, Development Services, County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF) or email (planning@northumberland.gov.uk) quoting the application reference number. These should ideally be provided by the 21st June 2023.

   Any questions regarding the development or suggestions around community initiatives can continue to be directed to the project team: highfieldenergypark@exagen.co.uk

    

   Link to application →

6. 3 May 23

   Planning application submitted

   Planning application submitted.

7. 2 Nov 22

   Q&A Session

   Whittonstall Village Highfield

   Wednesday, 2nd November, 7:30 – 8:30pm

   St Philip & St James Church
   Whittonstall, Consett DH8 9JU

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8. 1 Nov 22

   Webinar

   Tuesday, 1st November, 6-8pm

   Register and Join Here →

9. 27 Oct 22

   Public Exhibition

   The Snods Community Hall – Main Hall

   Snods Edge, Shotley Bridge, Consett, Co Durham DH8 9TJ

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10. 26 Oct 22

    Public Exhibition

    Stocksfield Community Centre – Richardson Room
    Mount View Terrace, Stocksfield, Northumberland NE43 7HL

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