Proposals for renewable energy schemes will be encouraged where the benefit in terms of low carbon energy generating potential outweighs harm to or loss of:

Renewable energy schemes should not result in pollution to air, land or water.

Renewable energy schemes will also need to demonstrate that they will not result in unacceptable impacts on residential amenity including visual impact, noise, shadow flicker, reflection, odour, fumes and traffic generation.

The development must be capable of efficient connection to existing national energy infrastructure, or it can be demonstrated that the energy generated would be used for on-site needs only. In considering planning applications, the Local Planning Authority will take into account the energy generating potential of the scheme.

Where appropriate, large scale solar farms shall be accompanied by a sequential assessment which considers alternative brownfield sites and lower quality agricultural land. Compelling justification must be provided for proposals on high quality agricultural land. Where proposals are accepted on agricultural land, they should demonstrate how the installation allows for continued agricultural use and/or enhances biodiversity around the panels.

A condition will be attached to planning permissions for energy development schemes to require the site to be decommissioned and restored when energy generation use ceases or becomes non-functioning for a period of 6 months or more. Such a scheme shall include, if appropriate, measures to restore and protect soil quality.

For more information, please visit Braintree District Council’s Local Plan here.