Commercial scale solar farm projects in England

The most recent decisions released in February 2024 for a 22MW solar farm and associated infrastructure in Kemberton, Telford, and for a 47MW solar farm and associated infrastructure in Marden, Kent (on which we acted for the Appellant), both of which appeals were determined by way of inquiry and were granted planning permission.

Of the 28 appeals:

• 8 were heard by way of written representations, five of which were consented = c63% success rate
• 10 were heard by way of hearing, nine of which were consented = 90% success rate
• 10 were heard by way of inquiry, all of which were consented = 100% success rate.

Overall, this gives a success rate of c86% for solar farm appeals in England over the past 13 months.  The majority of decisions came forward in the second half of 2023 and into early 2024.

Two s62A applications were made directly to the Secretary of State due to the local planning authority having been designated for major applications – both of which were for 49.9MW solar farms with associated infrastructure in the administrative boundary of Uttlesford District Council. Both determined in May 2023, the Berden site successfully obtained planning permission following a hearing, whilst the Manuden site was refused on written representations.

There have also been 4 Development of National Significance decisions for commercial scale solar farm projects in Wales since January 2023.  Two were allowed in full, one was partly allowed and partly dismissed (the solar farm being allowed but other non-solar farm related infrastructure being refused) and one dismissed. This is a success rate of 75%, when considering solar farm infrastructure alone.