Newport Council planning staff and committee members required specialist training in solar energy — the technology (key components and how it works), land requirements and the potential environmental effects.
The focus was large scale solar PV (also known as ‘solar parks’ or ‘solar farms’), as the Council had received two applications for 2.5MW solar PV schemes and recognised the need for informed decision making.
LUC planners delivered the training, giving a presentation to illustrate the issues of solar PV and providing a clear visual and technical image of constructed solar farms. An interactive session was essential to allow planning officers and committee members to ask questions as the session progressed.
The planning committee resolved to approve both planning applications later in the afternoon. A formal decision on one of the schemes awaits approval from the Welsh Assembly Government. Consideration of the solar parks is timely, in advance of the Government’s recent decision to reduce the Feed in Tariffs for large-scale solar schemes.
Mike Southall, Senior Planning Officer stated that “The work commissioned was undertaken well and in accordance with requirements. Communication with the lead contact and with other members of the LUC team was good and helpful. I would certainly consider using [LUC] again.”
