The planning regime for solar energy generation in England and Wales

Produced in partnership with Paul Maile of Eversheds Sutherland and Duncan Williams of Deloitte
Practice notes

The planning regime for solar energy generation in England and Wales

Produced in partnership with Paul Maile of Eversheds Sutherland and Duncan Williams of Deloitte

Practice notes
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What is solar energy generation?

Solar energy generation involves the conversion of sunlight into electricity through the use of solar panels, which are made up of photovoltaic cells. When sunlight hits these cells, it creates an electric field that generates a flow of electricity. Solar panels are typically installed on rooftops or on the ground in areas that receive high levels of sunlight. The electricity generated by the panels can be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use.

Other key solar generation installations include cabling (usually buried underground), a substation to connect the development to the national grid and an access road or track allowing access to the site for construction, decommissioning and maintenance vehicles.

Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable source of energy that has gained popularity due to its potential to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy costs over time.

The planning regime for solar energy generation in England

Development for solar

Paul Maile
Paul Maile

Paul is a Partner specialising in planning, infrastructure and compulsory purchase and leads the Midlands Planning Team. He has appeared as advocate at numerous high profile public inquiries, and has a particular specialism in energy, infrastructure and residential projects.

Paul's workload has included promoting the first onshore wind project requiring a Development Consent Order under the Planning Act 2008; advising on offshore wind projects coming forward under Round 3; promoting a major new reservoir to safeguard future drinking water supplies to the East Midlands; and securing consent for revised proposals to redevelop RAF Upper Heyford comprising over 1000 houses and commercial development.

Paul's expertise covers all aspects of the planning process including application strategy, consultation requirements, Development Consent Orders, planning supporting statements, environmental impact assessment, representation at appeals, s106 Agreements, infrastructure agreements, compulsory purchase, town and village green applications, highways orders and legal challenges/judicial review.

Duncan Williams
Duncan Williams

Duncan specialises in all aspects of the planning process including promoting schemes through the planning system, s106 Agreements, infrastructure agreements, legal challenges / judicial review, planning appeals, advertising regulations, assets of community value and planning due diligence.

He has particular expertise in the residential development sector where he is regularly instructed by national house builder clients. Recent highlights include a 1,200 house urban extension to Leighton Buzzard and a 2,300 dwelling development near Cirencester.

In addition Duncan has extensive experience acting in the Energy Sector and on corporate transactions where recent notable instructions include helping secure consent for a 4 turbine wind farm near Port Talbot in Wales and on the acquisition of several large scale solar farms for investors.

In respect of infrastructure projects Duncan advised Birmingham City Council on the planning aspects of their sale of the redeveloped Birmingham New Street Station, the recent sale of the National Exhibition Centre, National Indoor Arena and International Convention Centre in a 800 million pound deal and is advising on the securing of a development consent order for a new rail freight terminal.

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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

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