Projects

Valuable contribution to meeting local and national renewable energy goals

Our role

• We provided Planning and Landscape services, including acting as Expert Witnesses at the appeal hearing. 
• In allowing the appeal, the Inspector identified that there would be moderate harm to the landscape character and convey moderate visual harm to the area, but that the benefits of the proposal were of sufficient magnitude to outweigh the moderate harm found to the landscape character, as well as the visual effects of the proposal and adverse heritage effects. 
• As part of the appeal process we engaged in the preparation of a detailed Statement of Common Ground in order to confirm and clarify matters of agreement (and disagreement) with the Local Planning Authority, and dealt with numerous detailed objections submitted via other interested parties, both at the appeal hearing and other detailed written submissions. 

Results

• Planning permission was granted on appeal for a 23MW solar farm on land West of Dauntsey Lock within Wiltshire.  
• The site is located close to an existing sub-station which will provide a connection into the energy grid at this location. Given some uncertainty around the timing of connection to the energy grid, an extended period for the implement of the development was negotiated and has been approved, which allows up to seven years for the commencement of development (a significantly longer period than the standard three years). 
• The Swallett Energy Park will provide enough clean electricity to power around 9,400 homes each year, whilst the development of the site will achieve a net gain in biodiversity of at least 79.74%, a significant benefit which is substantially in excess of the statutory 10% gain.