Lark Energy achieved consent for the installation of a 5MW solar farm on land at Balhearty, within Clackmannanshire Council. The development will have a significant and positive role in reducing CO₂ emissions, with the capability of offsetting approximately 3,300 tonnes of CO₂ each year.

Neo Environmental’s Involvement

Neo Environmental undertook all of the environmental assessments required for the successful consent of the proposed development. The assessments and reports completed by Neo included: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Landscape Plan, Ecological Appraisal, Biodiversity Management Plan, Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, Flood Risk Assessment, Land Capability for Agriculture, Topographical Survey and Construction Traffic Management Plan (including Swept Path Analysis).

Wetland ecology was identified as a potential constraint at Balhearty, due to the extended phase 1 habitat survey identifying Marshy Grassland within the development boundary. Successful consultation was undertaken with SEPA in order to overturn their objection, resulting in the requirement of a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey and accompanying Construction Environmental Management Plan to be completed by Neo Environmental as part of the discharge of conditions process.