Simplifying Solar: New Planning Rules for Medium-Sized Projects

In a bid to streamline solar energy development in England, the UK government has introduced a new Order under the Electricity Act 1989. This move is designed to ease the planning process for solar projects with a capacity between 50 and 100 megawatts (MW), shifting their oversight from the Secretary of State to local planning authorities. Here's what you need to know:

What's Changing?

Previously, solar projects over 50MW were considered "Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects" (NSIPs), requiring a lengthy national-level consent process. However, advancements in solar technology mean that many projects in the 50-100MW range no longer need this level of oversight. The new Order raises the threshold to 100MW, aligning it with the capacity limits for onshore wind projects. This allows these 'mid-sized' projects to be managed by local authorities under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Why the Change?

The government recognized that the existing threshold was inadvertently hampering the development of medium-sized solar projects. Developers often capped projects just below 50MW to avoid the complex NSIP process, leading to inefficient use of potential sites. By raising the threshold to 100MW, the government aims to promote more efficient site use and encourage developers to optimize project capacity.

Consultation and Feedback

A public consultation was held, revealing mixed opinions. While many stakeholders, particularly local authorities, supported raising the threshold, others were concerned about potential delays or inconsistent decisions from local planning bodies. Ultimately, the government decided on a 100MW threshold, seeing it as a balanced approach that reflects modern technological capabilities.

Impact on Businesses

The shift is expected to have a minimal negative financial impact on businesses, mainly due to the costs of adapting to the new rules. However, the overall benefits, such as improved site efficiency and reduced emissions, are anticipated to outweigh these initial costs.

What's Next?

The new rules will take effect after a transitional period ending in 2025, allowing businesses time to adjust. The government plans to review the impact of these changes within five years, ensuring alignment with its broader clean energy goals for 2030.

In summary, the new planning rules for solar projects in England aim to simplify processes, encourage optimal use of resources, and support the UK's transition to cleaner energy. By raising the capacity threshold for local planning oversight, the government hopes to unlock the potential of medium-sized solar projects, benefiting both the industry and the environment.