The Challenge
Renewable Energy Systems Limited (RES) required expert planning consultancy and environmental support for a series of renewable energy developments, including solar farms and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). As a leading developer in the sector, RES needed a partner capable of delivering a full-service planning solution that could address the complex environmental and regulatory requirements associated with these types of infrastructure projects.
The challenge was multifaceted. Each development site presented unique planning constraints, including considerations around Green Belt land, biodiversity, landscape impact, and public access. RES needed a consultancy that could not only produce the necessary technical documentation but also manage the planning process end-to-end, including stakeholder engagement and coordination of a multi-disciplinary project team.
In addition, the planning applications required a wide range of environmental assessments and reports to ensure compliance with national and local planning policies. These included assessments of flood risk, ecology, landscape and visual impact, and potential environmental effects such as glint and glare from solar panels. The client also needed support with public engagement, including attendance at exhibitions and the preparation of consultation materials.
Given the scale and ambition of RES’s renewable energy programme, the consultancy partner had to demonstrate not only technical expertise but also the ability to deliver efficiently and collaboratively across multiple projects.
The Solution
To meet RES’s requirements, our team provided a comprehensive planning consultancy service, underpinned by strong project management and in-house environmental expertise. We began by conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening to determine the scope of environmental reporting required for each site. Our planning specialists then prepared a full suite of documentation to support the applications, including Planning Statements, Green Belt Assessments, and Design and Access Statements.
We addressed landscape and ecological considerations through Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA), supported by high-quality visualisations and graphics, as well as Landscape and Ecology Management Plans (LEMPs). Biodiversity was assessed through Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Reports, ensuring that each development contributed positively to the surrounding area.
Additional technical reports included Glint and Glare Assessments, Flood Risk Assessments, and Drainage Strategies. We also developed a Public Rights of Way (PRoW) Management Plan for one of the sites in order to address access and concerns on the impact of the PRoW network with the local community.
Our team coordinated the entire planning process, managing internal and external stakeholders, attending public exhibitions, and ensuring that all documentation was submitted accurately and on time. Following the successful delivery of our first project, RES commissioned us to support two further solar farm developments and a Section 36 BESS application—demonstrating their confidence in our approach and the value of our integrated service offering.
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