The transition to renewable energy is an imperative global priority, with solar power emerging as a pivotal element in this movement. For developers and stakeholders engaged in large-scale solar projects, adeptly managing the scoping phase within the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) process is crucial. This article delves into the technical guidance provided for scoping solar development, emphasising practical steps and critical considerations essential for success.
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The Planning Inspectorate plays an instrumental role in this arena, offering non-statutory advice to navigate the infrastructure planning regime. This guidance is purposefully designed to augment existing legislation and government directives, specifically targeting the scoping phase of solar development under the Planning Act 2008 NSIP process. The overarching objective is to streamline examinations and optimise resource allocation by honing in on significant issues. This facilitation is achieved through an evidence-based approach to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping, which prioritises the identification of ‘main’ or ‘significant’ environmental effects and allows for the exclusion of less critical aspects from the EIA. This targeted focus is pivotal in expediting the pre-application process and providing clarity for all stakeholders involved.
A key tool in this process is the Solar Scoping Table, which serves as an invaluable resource offering examples of supporting information to aid the Planning Inspectorate in deciding whether to exclude certain aspects or matters from the EIA. The table delineates areas where significant effects are either unlikely or can be managed through standard mitigation measures. However, it is crucial to remember that the table is not exhaustive and does not guarantee that the Planning Inspectorate will agree to scope out certain matters in all instances.
When submitting a request to exclude aspects or matters from the EIA, applicants must provide comprehensive information, including detailed environmental baseline data, an intricate project description, and potential impact pathways. All assumptions and commitments should be meticulously documented in a tabular format to enable tracking throughout the process. This information should be continually updated in subsequent iterations of the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) and the Environmental Statement, which accompanies the Development Consent Order (DCO) application.
Commitments to mitigation measures play a pivotal role when making a case to exclude certain aspects or matters from the EIA. Applicants must present adequate evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of these measures, which could include records of previous successful implementations or agreements from relevant consultation bodies. These commitments should be systematically recorded in a Commitments Register and confirmed in an updated version submitted as part of the DCO application. Early engagement with relevant consultation bodies is also advisable as it can facilitate agreement on the scope of the EIA. Evidence of such agreements can assist the Planning Inspectorate in determining whether to exclude aspects or matters from the assessment. Furthermore, the scope of any assessments included within the EIA should be proportionate, concentrating on receptors likely to be affected by the proposed development.
Another critical consideration is the potential for cumulative effects in conjunction with other projects. Although the guidance does not specifically address the scoping of cumulative effects, applicants should evaluate the likelihood of significant cumulative impacts. Even if certain matters are excluded from the Environmental Statement, they must still be evidenced if required by a National Policy Statement. Supporting technical assessments, such as those for glint and glare, Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF), and lighting, should be included as appendices to the Environmental Statement and cross-referred to within individual aspect assessments.
A practical illustration of the application of this guidance is the scoping out of vehicle and dust emissions from the air quality aspect of the EIA. In such cases, applicants should provide detailed information regarding the anticipated number and type of vehicle movements, vehicle routing, and environmental management measures. This information should be corroborated by assumptions and commitments documented in the Commitments Register.
Navigating the scoping stage for solar development under the NSIP process necessitates meticulous planning and robust evidence. By adhering to the technical advice provided by the Planning Inspectorate, applicants can ensure a more streamlined and efficacious scoping process, leading to smoother examinations and optimised resource allocation. This strategic approach not only facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements but also fosters the successful realisation of solar development projects, thereby contributing to the broader renewable energy agenda.
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