Case Studies

The introduction of the Feed in Tariff (FiT) has stimulated the rapid emergence of large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) energy development in the UK.  With the suitability of development sites initially determined by solar intensity development is largely focusing in the southwest/east.   Ecosulis has already been involved in a number of schemes as with our energy sector environmental planners having expertise particularly suited to this sector.  Furthermore, with over twenty years of local experience gained on hundreds on projects we have good working relationship with many of the Local Planning Authorities.

Our experience on contentious projects has taught us that to be successful, projects must iteratively address site specific environmental issues and stakeholder concerns. With the limited commercial window to develop these schemes Ecosulis believes it is of fundamental importance that the approach to planning is ‘right first time’ especially considering the lack of policy guidance. 

Ecosulis is particularly suited to supporting this form of development as:

• Demonstrable energy sector environmental planning expertise;
• Broad in-house ecological survey and contracting resource;
• Experts at building project teams – we can supply anything from the best landscape architects through to a soil scientist as an integrated project team;
• Detailed understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment screening;
• Detailed understanding of how PV arrays fit within planning policy and emerging guidance;
• Experts in community and stakeholder engagement/consultation including regionally appropriate methods; and
• Understanding of PV specific environmental mitigation – for instance in relation to reversibility.