Fuller Long are delighted to have assisted with a planning application for a new solar farm, covering 76 hectares of land in Lincolnshire and providing 49.9 MW of power, capable of powering approximately 15,000 homes.
Historic buildings and protected landscapes often come into conflict with the Government’s aim to achieve Net Zero by 2050. Our team have been working closely with landowners and investors in renewable technology to help assess and, where appropriate, mitigate negative impacts on buildings and land under the protection of Historic England and the local authority.
On this occasion the 180 acre application site was located near a grade II designated heritage asset and two further non-designated heritage assets often referred to as NDHAs. Fuller Long’s heritage team were asked to complete a site assessment to review the nature of these buildings, and the impact of the proposed solar farm upon their significance which was presented within a concise heritage statement. Our work involved assessing the solar farm in terms of views to and from each asset as well as the impact of ancillary infrastructure such as boundary fences, substations and CCTV towers. Mitigation in the form of planting outside of the boundaries was proposed to preserve the historical, architectural and evidential significance of each heritage asset and their settings. Following our assessment, our team was able to conclude that the development would result in no physical harm or loss of significance to either of the NDHAs and less than substantial harm to the setting of the designated grade II farmhouse. Our heritage consultants justified that any perceived harm as a result of the proposed development would be outweighed by the public benefit of providing a new renewable energy scheme which will form part of the Government’s aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Renewable energy schemes are playing a crucial role in achieving the government’s carbon net zero targets. We are excited to be able to support schemes such as this that seek to achieve these goals whilst maintaining and protecting our historic environment, working with companies to help switch our reliance on fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources. . Our team have decades of experience assessing proposals that are likely to impact upon the historic environment and are fully prepared to assist and advise you on how to steer them through to a successful outcome.
If you are looking for assistance with a renewable energy scheme, Fuller Long can assist. To speak with one of our experienced team of planning and heritage consultants, please call us on 0808 164 1288 or email us at hello@fullerlong.com.
