Solar farm refused planning permission

In the UK, solar energy plays a crucial role in meeting renewable energy targets and reducing carbon emissions. Despite their environmental benefits, not all proposed solar farms receive planning permission. These refusals often arise as a result of environmental requirements. The rejection of planning applications for solar farms highlights the challenges developers face in navigating these 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 not denied planning permission.

Obtaining planning permission for solar farms

Feasibility assessment

• Choose a suitable site: Pick land with good solar potential and proximity to the electrical grid for the solar panels.
• Conduct initial studies: Assess environmental impact, land quality, and nearby protected areas or heritage sites.
• Check Grid Connection: Confirm feasibility and costs for connecting to the power grid.

Pre-application consultation

• Work with local authorities: Consult Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to understand planning requirements and whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed.
• Involve specialists: Seek advice from planning consultants, ecologists, and engineers to strengthen your solar farm proposal.

Prepare and submit the application

• Gather supporting documents: Include site plans, environmental assessments (if required), and details on the project’s solar powered energy benefits.
• Submit to the LPA: Provide all required documentation and pay the application fee.

Validation and decision

• Validation: The LPA reviews the application for completeness. If valid, it moves to public consultation.
• Outcome:
• Approval: Permission may include conditions, like specific mitigation measures.
• Refusal: Reasons are provided, allowing for revisions or an appeal.

This structured approach helps ensure a smooth planning process and improves the likelihood of success.

Common reasons why solar farms are refused planning permission

Solar farm planning applications in the UK can be refused due to a variety of reasons. Common reasons for refusal include:

Impact on landscape and visual amenity

• Large solar farms can significantly change the character of rural or scenic areas. This can lead to objections based on their visual impact.
• Projects proposed in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) or other green belt areas are particularly scrutinised.

Loss of agricultural land

• The use of high-quality agricultural land for solar farms may be contested due to its importance for food production.
• Preference is often given to less fertile or brownfield sites.

Ecological and biodiversity concerns

• Potential harm to local wildlife, habitats, or protected species can lead to rejection.
• Insufficient mitigation measures or failure to demonstrate biodiversity net gain may strengthen objections.

Cultural heritage and historical impact

• Proposals near listed buildings or conservation areas may be refused if the development is deemed to harm the historic environment.

By addressing these concerns carefully in planning applications, developers can increase the likelihood of approval for solar farm projects.

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. Your solar farm may be refused permission until mitigation measures are taken.

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 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.