Legal provisions for solar photovoltaic power generation

Should guidance on solar PV be included in the National Policy Statement?

The solar industry very much welcomes the addition of guidance on solar PV to the National Policy Statement for renewable energy infrastructure. However, there are several provisions which could be strengthened, which we have outlined below.

Do solar farms need planning permission?

Solar farms with a generating capacity below 50 megawatts (MW) need planning permission from the local planning authority (LPA). Solar farms with a generating capacity above 50 MW need development consent from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, because they are nationally significant infrastructure projects’ (NSIPs).

Do solar farms need development consent?

Solar farms with a generating capacity above 50 MW need development consent from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, because they are nationally significant infrastructure projects’ (NSIPs). Planning is a devolved matter.

Can solar power help decarbonise the UK energy sector?

Co-written by Matthew Fox and Toby Yeates of Pinsent Masons. The central role envisaged for solar power generation in supporting the decarbonisation of the UK energy sector is reflected in a draft revised planning policy designed to shape decision making on major renewable energy projects.

Is solar PV development permitted by Class A?

A.1 Development is not permitted by Class A if— (a) the solar PV or solar thermal equipment would protrude more than 0.2 metres beyond the plane of the wall or the roof slope when measured from the perpendicular with the external surface of the wall or roof slope;

Should solar farms have public rights of way?

Whilst the additional policy provided in relation to public rights of way acknowledges the potential impacts that large-scale solar development may have on such routes, it is often the case that landowners will agree to permissive paths being created for the operation of the solar farm but not the adoption of public rights of way.