The Sunnica Energy Farm (Amendment) Order 2026
This Order modifies the Sunnica Energy Farm Order 2024 by updating the list of certified documents that govern the energy farm's development.
It replaces specific rows in Schedule 10 of the original 2024 Order to incorporate updated versions of access and rights of way plans, the book of reference, land and Crown land plans, traffic regulation measures plans, and works plans.
These changes apply to the Sunnica Energy Farm project and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Arguments For
The Secretary of State asserts that the changes are non-material in nature and do not differ significantly from the changes proposed in the application.
The document states that the Secretary of State followed required procedures, including considering responses to publicity and consultation required by the 2011 Regulations.
The order updates certified documents in Schedule 10 to reflect newer versions of plans and books of reference, which proponents would argue ensures the legal framework matches the actual project requirements.
Arguments Against
Legal scholars or affected parties might question the classification of these changes as 'non-material,' as this designation bypasses the more rigorous examination required for 'material' changes under the Planning Act 2008.
Local residents or environmental groups might argue that updating land and works plans could change the physical footprint or impact of the project in ways not fully explored during the original consent process.
The complexity of referencing multiple versions of plans (e.g., different versions for different sheets of the land plans) could lead to implementation errors or confusion during the construction and operation phases.
Citation and commencement
- This Order may be cited as the Sunnica Energy Farm (Amendment) Order 2026 and comes into force on 22nd May 2026.
This section establishes the official name of the legal instrument and specifies its effective date.
It ensures the order becomes legally active on 22nd May 2026.
Amendment to the Sunnica Energy Farm Order 2024
- The Sunnica Energy Farm Order 2024 ('the 2024 Order') is amended as follows.
This provision gives formal notice that the Sunnica Energy Farm Order 2024 is being modified.
It serves as the legal bridge connecting the new amendments to the existing development consent order.
Amendments to Schedule 10 of the 2024 Order
- In Schedule 10, omit the following rows in the table-
| access and rights of way plans | 2.3 | 6 | 24/03/2023 | |----------------------------------|-------|-----|--------------| | book of reference | 4.3 | 9 | 30/08/2023 | |-------------------------------------------------------------|-------|-----|--------------| | land and Crown land plans | 2.1 | 6 | 30/01/2023 | |-------------------------------------------------------------|-------|-----|--------------| | traffic regulation measures plans - temporary road closures | 2.4 | 3 | 30/01/2023 | |-------------------------------------------------------------|-------|-----|--------------| | works plans | 2.2 | 5 | 03/03/2023 |
and replace with the following rows-
| access and rights of way plans | 2.3 | 7 | 27/11/2025 | |-------------------------------------------------------------|-------|-----|--------------| | book of reference | 4.3 | 10 | 27/11/2025 | |-------------------------------------------------------------|-------|-----|--------------| | land and Crown land plans - sheets 1-19 and 21-22 | 2.1 | 6 | 30/01/2023 | |-------------------------------------------------------------|-------|-----|--------------| | land and Crown land plans - sheet 20 | 2.1 | 7 | 27/11/2025 | |-------------------------------------------------------------|-------|-----|--------------| | traffic regulation measures plans - temporary road closures | 2.4 | 4 | 27/11/2025 | |-------------------------------------------------------------|-------|-----|--------------| | works plans | 2.2 | 6 | 27/11/2025 |
This section updates the list of 'certified documents' which are the definitive plans the developer must follow.
It removes references to outdated versions of the project's layout and traffic plans and replaces them with updated versions dated November 2025.
This ensures that the legal consent reflects the most recent technical specifications for land use, road closures, and construction works.
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