As the UK shifts towards renewable solar energy, solar power (also known as a solar pv system) has gained significant popularity, not only for its environmental benefits, but also for the energy security it provides to its users.

However, realising a solar farm project involves more than just site selection and panel installation. Securing planning permission is a critical step to ensure compliance with local and national regulations, as well as environmental considerations.

Navigating the planning process and its potential hurdles is essential for a successful solar farm venture. Collington Winter’s expert consultants can guide you through the planning permission process, helping you achieve your solar project goals.

Do you legally need planning permission for solar farms in the UK?

Yes, planning permission is required for solar farms in the UK. The development of solar farms falls under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which governs most land use changes. The process is governed by local planning authorities (LPAs) under national planning policies.

Key Considerations for Planning Permission:

Permitted Development Rights

Small-scale solar installations, such as those on residential or commercial buildings, may fall under permitted development rights and not require formal planning permission. However, these rights generally do not apply to large-scale solar farms.

Local and National Policies

Planning applications for solar farms are evaluated based on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local development plans. These policies aim to encourage renewable energy development while ensuring environmental protection and addressing community concerns.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

Large solar farms, particularly those exceeding 5 hectares, may require an Environmental Impact Assessment. This evaluates the project’s potential effects on visual aesthetics, biodiversity, and other environmental factors.

Protected and Sensitive Areas

Proposed solar farms in designated areas, such as green belts, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), or near heritage sites, face stricter planning requirements. Developers must demonstrate that the project’s benefits clearly outweigh any potential harm to these sensitive locations.

How to obtain solar farm planning permission

Securing planning permission for a solar farm in the UK involves several key steps.

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.

What are some ecological considerations for solar farm planning?

While solar farms represent a significant step towards a sustainable energy future, it’s important to consider their potential ecological impacts. Large-scale solar farms can fragment habitats, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the isolation of wildlife populations.

Additionally, the construction and operation of ground mounted solar farms can disturb the soil, leading to erosion and nutrient loss. Water usage for cleaning panels or dust suppression can also impact local water resources, and runoff from solar farms may carry pollutants into nearby water bodies.

Solar farms can also pose risks to wildlife, particularly birds and bats, which may collide with mounted panels, especially during migration or low-light conditions. To mitigate these issues, developers should carefully select sites with minimal ecological value, incorporate habitat creation and restoration measures, and implement water-efficient practices.

Regular monitoring and adaptive management strategies can help ensure that solar farms that have been previously developed are operated in an environmentally responsible manner.

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 range of ecological services to help our clients to identify whether there may be any ecological issues with their proposal plans when applying for solar farm 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 for solar development, please do not hesitate to get in touch.