Neo Environmental undertook all work for the 3 phases of the Proposed Development which included, feasibility studies, planning and the full suite of environmental and technical assessments. This include two separate solar applications of circa 50MW (original site and extension) and the 100MW battery storage project, all of which were consented. The team co-ordinated and undertook the pre-application meetings with the council, site visits and also co-ordinated and undertook all of the planning and environmental works as well as the design (Planning reports, ecology, archaeology, noise, transport, hydrology, glint and glare, landscape and visual). This was part of a portfolio of projects that Neo received consent for (100% successful consent rate), including three 100MW battery storage projects.

Neo Environmental were commissioned to coordinate and undertake the full suite of environmental assessments required to accompany a planning application for a large-scale solar farm within South Meath. The substantial development covers an area of circa 130ha and required detailed assessments.

from an early stage in the proposed development, this included input into the EIA screening report and the public exhibition. The planning application and environmental assessments were submitted to Meath County Council and received approval in August 2018. Neo Environmental also completed a full geophysical survey and archaeology testing for the project on behalf of Lightsource BP. We have also completed the condition compliance for the construction stage of the project.

Neo Environmental are delighted to have started 2022 with an approval via a delegated decision for a 100MW co-located solar and battery storage project near Hull for its client Albanwise. Neo Environmental done all of the planning, public consultation and environmental work for this large project, including the design, ecology, archaeology (including a geophysical survey), noise, traffic and transport, landscape and visual, hydrology, glint and glare and land classification assessment. The project consists of approximately 100 thousand solar panels and 24 battery storage containers on a circa 90 ha site.

Neo Environmental Ltd were involved in various stages of the 15MW Trinity Hall Solar Farm in Central Bedfordshire from initial constraint analysis and site suitability assessment to on- site surveys and post submission support works.

The Solar Farm is located in Greenbelt in Central Bedfordshire. A case for Very Special Circumstances (VSC) was made and concluded that the overall strategic performance and function of the remaining Green Belt would prevail, with the benefits of the Proposed Development considerably outweighing the minor adverse impacts identified.

Neo Environmental were involved in various stages of the 42MW Solar Farm from initial constraint analysis and site suitability assessment to planning and post submission support works.

As part of the planning work Neo environmental worked with the Applicant, Renewable Energy Systems (RES), to design an appropriate scheme which is well screened, with very limited impacts on public amenity and the environment. The project went through a number of design iterations in order to ensure the development fit sympathetically and congruously within the local environment. Areas of flood risk and priority habitat were avoided to reduce potential adverse impacts.

Our planning and environmental team undertook and compiled a number of assessments and reports in order to achieve consent for Devons largest solar development. These included an Ecological Assessment (EcA), Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVA), Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (CHIA), Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan (OCEMP) and Arboricultural Impact Assessment. A Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment was also undertaken which highlighted a 91.18% gain in area habitat units; this gain well exceeds the 10% requirement that is expected to become law in the near future.

The project attracted a lot of media attention, however following a significant amount of public engagement, the Proposed Development was approved at committee on the 4^th of November 2021 with members voting 5-4 in favour.

We look forward to seeing the completed development in due course.

Neo Environmental were involved in various stages of the 100MW Gorman Energy Storage Facility (ESF) from initial constraint analysis and site suitability assessment to planning and condition compliance. Our planning and environmental team had to manage a number of constraints including flood risk, archaeology, visual impacts and access and transport in order to achieve consent for one of the largest battery storage projects in Ireland.

As part of the planning work Neo environmental initially worked with the client Renewable Energy Systems (RES) to design an appropriate scheme whish is well screened, with very limited impacts on the environment. The project was then purchased by Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) and Neo Environmental completed two new applications for a re-designed project, to include all grid connection woks such as a new 110kV substation bay components.

A Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) screening application was also submitted on behalf of Scottish Power Renewables to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) for the grid and substation works. The various planning applications were all consented within the statutory timeframes and Neo Environmental also discharged all of the planning conditions. At the time of writing the battery storage project is under construction with Neo Environmental providing Ecological Clerks of Works (ECow) and Archaeology Clerks of Works (ACoW). During the archaeology works our team of archaeologists uncovered a number of interesting prehistoric and medieval features and finds including pottery, flint tools, post-holes, pits and burnt spreads. We look forward to seeing the completed development in due course.

Outline of Project:
Lark Energy gained planning consent for a 2MW energy from waste development located at the Avondale Landfill site in Falkirk Council. The proposal includes an extension of the existing CHP Plant to form a Pellet Production Plant and Gasification Plant contained within two new, adjoining buildings. The waste from the existing recycling facility will be transported to the proposed development site, this waste will be converted into pellets which will be utilised for electricity generation to be used onsite. Once operational the proposed development will result in a reduced volume of waste being transferred to the existing landfill site.
Neo Environmental’s Involvement
Neo Environmental produced the Ecological Appraisal, Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Assessment, Transport Statement and the Flood Risk Assessment required to support the planning application.

The main constraint to the proposed development was the presence of great crested newt (GCN) which are known to be present within the Avondale Quarry. During the extended phase 1 habitat survey, habitats suitable of supporting GCN were identified. A GCN Habitat Suitability Index survey was undertaken, covering all ponds within 500m of the proposed development site. Although it was considered unlikely that the proposed development would impact upon GCN, a precautionary approach was adopted, with a Species Protection Plan developed in consultation with SNH. This Species Protection Plan identified suitable mitigation and compensation measures to be implemented throughout the construction phase, including the exclusion of GCN with fencing and the adoption of reasonable avoidance measures.