Planning Permission for Solar Farms

As the demand for renewable energy grows, solar energy in the UK has become increasingly popular. However, setting up a solar farm involves more than selecting a suitable location and installing panels.

Planning permission is a critical step in the process. This helps to ensure that the proposed solar development aligns with local and national regulations and environmental considerations.

Understanding the planning process and potential challenges is crucial for ensuring a successful solar farm venture. At Collington Winter, our consultants can assist you in meeting planning permission requirements in order to ensure that your solar project is successful.

Is planning permission for solar farms required?

Yes, in the UK, planning permission is generally required to develop a solar farm in the UK. This applies to most large-scale solar installations, as they constitute a change in land use and can have implications for the environment and infrastructure. The process is governed by local planning authorities (LPAs) under national planning policies.

Key points about planning permission: 

Permitted development rights
Small-scale solar installations (e.g., solar panels on residential or commercial buildings) may fall under permitted development rights and not require formal planning permission. However, these rights do not typically extend to large-scale solar industry farms.

Local and national policies
Planning permission for solar farms is assessed against the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local development plans. This promotes renewable energy while balancing environmental protection and community interests.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
For larger solar farms (e.g., those exceeding 5 hectares), an Environmental Impact Assessment may be required. This assesses the project’s impact on visual aesthetics and other environmental factors.

Protected and sensitive areas
If the site is within a designated area (e.g., green belt, area of outstanding natural beauty, or near a heritage site), planning permission is more complex. Planning applications for solar farms in these areas must demonstrate that the benefits of the development outweigh any potential harm.

Obtaining planning permission for solar farms

Obtaining full planning permission for solar farms in the UK involves a structured process.

Feasibility assessment

• Site selection: Identify suitable quality agricultural land for the solar farm. Consider factors such as solar irradiance, land use policies, and proximity to the electrical grid.
• Preliminary studies: Conduct initial studies on environmental impact, land quality (e.g., agricultural land grading), and potential constraints like protected areas or heritage sites.
• Grid connection: Determine the viability and cost of connecting to the electricity grid.

Pre-application consultation

• Engage with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs): Consult with the LPA to understand the local planning context, specific requirements. This will determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is necessary.
• Consultation with experts: Involve planning ecological consultants, environmental specialists, and engineers to refine your proposal.

Prepare planning application

Develop detailed documentation to support your application:

• Site location and layout plans: Maps showing boundaries, panel arrangements, access routes, and infrastructure placement.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (if required): A comprehensive report on the potential ecological, visual, and social impacts, along with mitigation strategies.
• Renewable energy benefits: Highlight the project’s contribution to renewable energy targets and sustainability goals.

Submit planning application

• Application submission: Submit the completed application, including all required documentation and the appropriate fee, to the LPA.
• Validation process: The LPA will check the application for completeness. If valid, it will proceed to the consultation stage.

Decision

• Approval: The LPA grants permission, potentially with conditions (e.g., restrictions on construction times, mitigation measures).
• Refusal: If the application is denied, the LPA will provide reasons. These reasons can be addressed in a revised application or an appeal.

Ecological considerations for solar farms

Ecological constraints are an important consideration for planning rules in the UK. Local planning authorities assess the potential impacts of proposed developments on the natural environment and protected species.

The presence of protected species, such as bats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or great crested newts, can impact your ability to obtain planning permission for solar farms. If your project could impact habitats or species protected by law, you may need to conduct ecological surveys. This is to assess their presence and propose mitigation measures to minimise harm.

Development proposals must also consider the impact on habitats and biodiversity. This includes protected landscapes like heritage sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), designated nature reserves, or sites of natural beauty.

Additionally, large-scale or environmentally sensitive developments may require an Environmental Impact Assessment. An EIA assesses potential ecological impacts on habitats, protected species, and the overall environment. The EIA report informs the planning decision and may require mitigation measures or alternative site options to be considered.

Developments near watercourses or flood risk areas must consider the impact on water quality, hydrology, and flood risk. Local planning authorities often require assessments and flood mitigation measures to safeguard ecosystems and prevent adverse effects on habitats and species.

How can Collington Winter assist?

At Collington Winter, our consultants are fast-paced problem solvers. We work with clients to help them obtain formal planning approval for their projects. We provide a high quality range of ecological services to help our clients. We help to identify whether there may be any ecological issues with their proposal plans when applying for planning permission.

We meet the needs of developers, whilst ensuring positive outcomes for wildlife. We believe that an early consultation and in-depth knowledge of ecological best practice is the best way to improve your chances at obtaining planning permission and ensuring your project is a permitted development.

We can comment on planning applications and identify any mitigation measures that may need to be taken if any ecological constraints are found. If you are looking to apply for planning permission or start a solar farm, please do not hesitate to get in touch.