Planning Study Completed

Cooper Energy Engineering has submitted its report as an expert advisor on PV systems, as part of a retrospective planning application for a 37kWp solar array in an AONB in East Sussex.

CEE was engaged by the planning consultants Parker Dann representing the system owner, via a contract with Southern Solar, to survey the existing installation, and produce a report commenting on the suitability of the existing design and make recommendations for any improvements.

Since the installation was sited within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the focus of the study was on mitigating the visual impact of the array on the wider area. Our report found that while the array was of a reasonable scale, design and location for a less sensitive site, a number of measures could have been taken including landscaping for screening and using screw-piles rather than concrete foundations.

Cooper Energy Engineering is well placed to provide independent reports in support of Planning Applications. Obviously we do not recommend installing PV systems without first obtaining Planning Permission, or confirming that the system falls within the rules for permitted development. Further advice on Permitted Development rights and requirements for obtaining planning consent are given on the Planning Portal website, with separate criteria for domestic and non-domestic projects. If you would like project-specific advice, we would be happy to help - please contact us.