Policy information sourced from the Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038
LPRINF3: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Schemes.
1. Applications for larger scale renewable (as defined by the Planning Policy Advice Note (2014): Domestic and medium scale solar PV arrays (up to 50kW) and solar thermal; and Planning Policy Advice Note: Large scale (>50kW) solar PV arrays) or low carbon energy projects will be required to demonstrate that the following have been considered in the design and development of the proposals:
- a. The cumulative impact of such proposals in the local area;
- b. The landscape and visual impact of development;
- c. The impact on heritage assets and their setting;
- d. The impact of proposals on the amenities of local residents, e.g. noise generated;
- e. The impact on the local transport network; and
- f. The impact on ecology and biodiversity including the identification of measures to mitigate impact and provide ecological or biodiversity enhancement.
2. Preference will be given to existing commercial and industrial premises, previously developed land, or agricultural land that is not classified as the best and most versatile.
3. Provision for the return of the land to its previous use must be made when the installations have ceased operation.
4. Proposals for Combined Heat and Power and District Heating Schemes will be supported where any above ground infrastructure is acceptable on amenity and design grounds, and where such developments accord with policies elsewhere in the plan.
For more information, please visit Maidstone’s Local Plan Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038