Notice is hereby given that BSSL Cambsbed 1 Ltd of 16 Stratford Place, London W1C 1BF (the Applicant) intends to apply to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for a Development Consent Order (DCO) under Section 37 of the Planning Act 2008 (the Act) to authorise the construction of the East Park Energy project (the Scheme).

The infrastructure being proposed as part of the Scheme includes:

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and mounting structures;

• A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which would comprise battery containers along with associated inverters and transformers;

• A new substation to control and operate the solar PV modules and BESS and to increase the voltage to enable connection to the National Grid substation;

• Associated infrastructure including inverters, transformers, high voltage switchgear and control equipment, cabling, storage building, fencing, security, access tracks and landscaping and green infrastructure; and

• A 400kV cable grid connection from the new East Park Substation to National Grid’s Eaton Socon Substation.

The Scheme is located across four connected Sites (A-D). Sites A and B are within the administrative area of Bedford Borough Council (a Unitary Authority), and Sites C and D are within Huntingdonshire District (which is two-tier authority with Cambridgeshire County Council). The BESS and on-site substation infrastructure would be located within Huntingdonshire District.

Alongside the electricity generation, storage and associated infrastructure, the Scheme includes environmental mitigation and enhancement measures designed to avoid or reduce impacts on the environment and local communities.

The Scheme will also include other required works, for example, temporary access roads, highway works, temporary works compounds, and ancillary works.

The proposed application will seek authorisation for the compulsory acquisition of land and interests in and rights over land, overriding easements and other rights, the temporary use of land, and other ancillary powers.

The Scheme is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development, as defined by The Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017. An Environmental Statement will therefore be submitted as part of the proposed application, which will contain information about the environmental effects of the Scheme.

The documents, plans and maps showing the nature and location of the Scheme, including the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) and non-technical summary, will be available to download free of charge from 24 September until 29 October 2024 at www.eastparkenergy.co.uk.

Printed copies of most consultation materials, including the consultation brochure, PEIR non-technical summary and feedback form, will be provided free-of-charge upon request by contacting the project team via the details at the bottom of this notice. Some technical documents, such as the full PEIR, may be subject to a reasonable copying charge of £0.35 per page to cover print and postage costs.

How to respond to the consultation

The consultation is running between 24 September and 29 October 2024.

Responses to the consultation can be submitted in the following ways:

• By completing the feedback form on the project website, eastparkenergy.co.uk

• By returning a letter or paper copy of the feedback form at a consultation event or via post to Freepost EAST PARK ENERGY (no further stamp or address needed)

• By emailing comments to info@eastparkenergy.co.uk

A printed copy of the consultation response form can be requested by contacting the project team on the details below.

The Applicant must receive all responses by 11:59pm on 29 October 2024 to ensure their consideration. Please note that responses are likely to be made public, but that contact/personal details will be redacted.

When deciding on the final form of the proposed application for a development consent order for the Scheme, the Applicant will take into account any response to this publicity or the consultation that is received before the specified deadline.

The Applicant may be required to make copies of representations available to the Secretary of State. However, the Applicant will request that personal details are not placed on the public record. Personal details will be held securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and will be used solely in connection with the consultation process and the development of the Scheme and, except as noted above, will not be disclosed to any third parties.

Email: info@eastparkenergy.co.uk

Telephone: 0808 258 5991

Notice first published on 18 September 2024.