Our planners coordinated and managed a team of in-house landscape architects, arborists, historic environment consultants and ecologists, alongside sub-consultants covering transport, agricultural land, ground conditions, noise, flood risk and drainage assessments, and glint and glare.
We prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Request, setting out a clear justification as to why an EIA was not required for the proposals. In the Planning, Design and Access Statement, we analysed planning policy and demonstrated that any limited policy conflicts were outweighed by the benefits of renewable energy. We also prepared a Sequential Test and a Statement of Community Involvement.
Landscape and heritage were key considerations for the site. Our specialists prepared robust assessments to support the application and demonstrate that there would be no adverse impacts.
Throughout the process, we reviewed supporting technical documents to ensure they were of a high standard. We also completed the planning application forms and associated notices and certificates to help ensure a legally robust submission.
During the determination period, we monitored progress of the application and liaised with the local planning authority to address comments from statutory consultees. Draft conditions were reviewed to ensure they aligned with the proposals and consultation responses, avoiding any unnecessary over-commitment to additional mitigation or works.
The application was approved by delegated decision, securing consent for the Straws Hadley solar farm and marking a significant step towards delivering low-carbon energy.
