Controversial plans to build a solar farm in West Cumbria have been delayed.
National reforms have forced Belltown Power, who are behind the plans, to push back its consultation timeline for the site, which would cover 200 acres of land to the north east of Egremont, below Dent Fell.
The Bristol-based developer was aiming to hold a second public consultation this autumn, after the proposal prompted a huge outcry.
But it is now aiming to hold its second consultation in summer 2026.
A spokesperson said: “In addition to Belltown taking time to carefully consider and respond to the feedback received from the local community during the initial consultation, the National Energy System Operator is currently undertaking changes to the grid connection and offers process.
“These national reforms are expected to have important implications for Cobra Castle and other renewable energy projects across the country.
“This work has taken longer than NESO originally anticipated, and as a result, Belltown is keen to ensure that the next stage of consultation takes place at the most appropriate time, once there is greater clarity on the grid connection arrangements.
“We now expect to hold our second round of consultation no earlier than Summer 2026.”
Initially, the developer had planned to officially lodge plans this winter to receive a decision on them by next spring or summer and if they were to have been approved, construction would have started in 2028.
But now, Belltown Power said the reforms have resulted in the overall project timeline now being revised.
If Cobra Castle solar farm went ahead, it would be one of the UK’s biggest solar farms.
Built below Dent, between Egremont and Wilton, it would operate for around 40 years.
Its original scheme drew mass opposition and the Save Dent Fell group was set up.
The group said while it supported renewable energy, it did not support it at the cost of heritage, landscape and the community’s connection to Dent Fell.
Save Dent Fell banners remain in place across Egremont and surrounding areas and several homeowners have signs in their windows supporting the group.
The firm initially said if plans were approved, it would provide a community benefit and education fund of £680,000 over the lifetime of the project.
It added that the funding would support local initiatives, such as rooftop solar panels on community buildings, or conservation projects, alongside funding for local primary schools to visit the site and hold classroom workshops.
Belltown Power added the solar farm site would be given enhanced landscaping including hedgerows to screen the farm and provide enhanced habitats for animals.
For its first application, the developer held an event in April, in Egremont Market Hall.
It resulted in Belltown Power announcing that it was shifting project timescales back in response to feedback it received.
The event was criticised as not comprehensive enough and people claimed only 100 consultation forms were available.
At the time, Egremont Town Council said it had spoken to the developer, which said at the time that extra time was needed to fully understand and respond to the comments and concerns it was receiving over the plans.
