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.