Residents in Rotherham and Doncaster were given incorrect paper forms for responding to proposals for the Whitestone Solar Farm, meaning their feedback could not be accepted by the Planning Inspectorate. The error prompted concern among local groups that residents’ statutory right to take part in the consultation had been undermined, particularly as it emerged just before the original deadline.

Developer One Nation said staff had supplied the forms to help people without email addresses register and submit comments by post, based on their understanding of the guidance. The Inspectorate said valid representations must be made online or using an official paper form obtained from it; the developer has extended the registration deadline to 11 September. If approved, the nationally significant project would reportedly power about 250,000 homes and be larger than Europe’s biggest operational solar farm.