Solar farm planning permissions in the UK: what you need to know
One of the questions we hear most often from landowners and local communities is: how does planning permission work? How does a solar farm gain consent? Who decides? And what happens before construction can begin?
The planning process can take years, from initial site appraisal through to a decision by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) or, for larger projects, central government. Along the way, developers work with planning officers, technical specialists, statutory consultees and local communities to shape the proposal.
Every project is different, but the planning process is designed to make sure developments are carefully assessed, considered and shaped by technical evidence and local community input. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
Contents
- Why do solar farms need planning permission?
- The two main planning routes: local planning authority or central government
- What a planning application needs to include
- Community consultation: when it happens and what it involves
- How long does the planning process take?
- What happens after planning permission is granted
- What planning permission means for communities living near a site
- FAQs
Why do solar farms need planning permission?
A utility-scale solar farm often covers a large area and includes infrastructure such as substations, access tracks and underground cabling. This makes careful site selection and design essential. By understanding the land and its surroundings from the start, developers can design projects that work within their location.
The planning process is how these considerations are formally assessed. It also gives local authorities, communities and statutory consultees an opportunity to understand a proposal, ask questions and have their say.
For us, planning is about more than securing consent. It starts with understanding a site properly and making informed decisions about how a project should work within it.
The two main planning routes: local planning authority or central government
The planning application route largely depends on the size of the project.
In England, solar projects with a generating capacity below 100MW are determined by the Local Planning Authority under the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1990. Projects above 100MW are classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and require a Development Consent Order from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The current 100MW threshold for NSIP’s came into effect in December 2025, replacing the previous 50MW limit. This change was significant as it meant that larger projects could now seek consent through the local planning system rather than the central government NSIP route.
The process for obtaining planning consent differs elsewhere in the UK. In Wales, projects over 350MW require central government consent, and projects between 10MW and 350MW are classed as Developments of National Significance (DNS) with their own consenting process.
What a planning application needs to include
A planning application is much more than just a site layout. It brings together the technical evidence needed to show how the project has been designed, what impacts it may have, and how those impacts will be managed.
The assessments required vary by site. Most projects require a planning statement, landscape and visual impact assessment, ecological surveys, heritage and flood risk assessments, transport information and grid connection details. Depending on their size and extent of impact, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may also be required.
Ecological surveys play a vital role too. Before a design is finalised, BSR’s ecologists carry out detailed habitat and protected species surveys, which may include bats, breeding birds, badgers, reptiles and great crested newts. The findings help shape the project, from panel placement and habitat retention to wildlife movement and measures to protect and enhance biodiversity.
We believe nature should be considered from the outset, which is why biodiversity helps shape our projects through our Nature Protection Pledge, supporting habitats throughout the lifetime of a solar farm.
Agricultural land quality is another important consideration. National planning policy encourages solar development on lower-quality agricultural land wherever possible. Where Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land is proposed, applicants must demonstrate why the site is suitable and that lower-grade alternatives were not reasonably available.
Community consultation: when it happens and what it involves
The best solar projects are shaped by the communities that host them. At BSR, we believe early conversations help us understand the people and communities around a site, answer questions and gather feedback that can help shape our proposals.
For projects under 100MW seeking consent through the TCPA route, developers engage with LPAs. This can include public exhibitions, information events and online consultations – creating opportunities for local people to find out more, ask questions and share their views. What we hear helps shape proposals as they develop.
For NSIP-scale projects, consultation is a statutory requirement before an application is submitted.
At BSR, we know it’s important to start listening early. We speak with local residents, Parish Councils and community groups before submitting our application, to understand what matters to the people who know the area best. Local input can then inform our projects, from panel layouts and landscaping to access routes and community benefits.
There are also two different opportunities to have your say. Pre-application consultation takes place before a planning application is submitted and helps us shape the proposal. The Local Planning Authority’s (LPA) consultation takes place after an application is submitted. This gives residents, Parish Councils and statutory consultees the opportunity to share their views directly with the council, helping to inform the planning decision.
From the first conversations through to planning and construction, see how we work with local communities to help build the right project.
How long does the planning process take?
Developing a solar project takes time, allowing the proposal to be carefully assessed, refined and considered alongside local and national planning policies.
For major scale projects going through the TCPA route, there is a statutory determination period of 13–16 weeks from validation. The full journey from identifying a site to securing planning consent is typically much longer, often taking a year or more. This includes pre-application engagement, the carrying out of relevant surveys, application preparation and the determination period.
Larger NSIP projects follow a different process through the Planning Inspectorate, including a formal examination before a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State.
The granting of planning permission is only one part of the development journey. Connecting to the National Grid is just as important, as it allows the vital renewable energy generated by the project to be exported and used. Grid connection dates can therefore also influence when a project can move from planning into construction and operation.
What happens after planning permission is granted
Being granted planning permission is an important milestone, but it’s not the end of the planning process.
Planning permission usually comes with conditions that set out how the project should be built and managed. These can include the requirement to provide detailed landscaping and drainage plans, Construction Traffic Management Plans, Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs) and other documents agreed with the Local Planning Authority. These plans help make sure the commitments made during the planning process continue through construction and into the operational life of the solar farm.
BSR’s development process covers every stage, from site identification to long-term operation. By working with landowners and communities from the start, we build an understanding of each site and its ecological needs that continue to shape the project through planning, construction and operation.
For landowners, the period between consent and construction is when the project moves into detailed design and construction, which typically takes six to twelve months depending on site size. Once operational, the planning conditions and LEMP continue to govern how the land is managed throughout the project’s life.
Considering renewable energy for your land? Discover how we work with landowners and the opportunities available through our landowners page.
What planning permission means for communities living near a site
For us, relationships with local communities last longer than the planning process itself.
We champion responsible stewardship for the people we work with and the land we work on. That means maintaining open communication around our projects and continuing to work with communities throughout their lifetime.
Is there a BSR project near you? Explore our open projects map to find out what’s happening in your area and how you can get involved.
FAQs
What size solar farm needs planning permission?
All ground-mounted solar farms require planning permission regardless of size. Projects below 100MW are determined by Local Planning Authorities. Larger projects with a generating capacity above 100MW (NSIP’s) are decided by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Can solar farms be built on agricultural land?
Yes. National planning policy encourages developers to prioritise lower-quality agricultural land where possible. Where Best and Most Versatile land is proposed, applicants must justify why the site has been selected, and that they have considered alternative locations.
How can local residents have their say?
Communities can engage with proposals during consultation events before submission and formally submit comments to the Local Planning Authority during the planning consultation period. These comments form part of the planning process and must be taken into consideration by the Council when determining the application.
Have your say. Find a BSR project near you and share your views.
How long does planning permission take?
While statutory decision periods exist, the full process from site identification to planning consent often takes a year or more.
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?
An Environmental Impact Assessment is used to assess the significant environmental effects of a project and identifies measures to avoid, reduce or offset potential impacts.
To understand whether a full EIA is needed, BSR proactively submits an EIA screening request to the relevant planning authority for each project. The council then considers the project’s size, location and potential environmental effects to determine whether a full EIA is required. It can also identify any further studies or assessments that may be needed as part of the planning process.
We work closely with the council throughout this process to make sure the appropriate environmental considerations are understood and assessed as the project develops.
Can planning permission be refused?
Yes. The planning process is designed to make sure proposals are carefully assessed against national and local planning policies, technical evidence and the views of consultees and the local community. This process can help identify where changes are needed to make a proposal work better for its surroundings.
Local Planning Authorities may refuse an application where they consider that it does not comply with the development plan or where other material planning considerations indicate that permission should not be granted. Where an application is refused, a developer can appeal the LPA’s decision through the planning appeals process, providing an opportunity for the decision to be independently reviewed.
About the author: Laura Fogarty, Planning Manager
Laura leads planning at British Solar Renewables, guiding renewable energy projects through the planning process and advising BSR’s development teams on new and existing sites.
