Energy & Commercial Solar Planning
Urban Vista Planning provides specialist planning consultancy for commercial solar farms, wind energy, battery storage, and other energy infrastructure projects. We manage the full consenting process — from initial site appraisal through to planning approval — coordinating all specialist inputs on your behalf.
We Help With
What We Help With
- Commercial solar farm planning permission
- Wind turbine and wind energy planning
- Battery storage planning permission
- EIA coordination and environmental statements
- Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) consenting
- Pre-application engagement with local planning authorities
- Site appraisal and consenting strategy
- Community consultation and stakeholder engagement
- Planning conditions discharge and monitoring
Common Scenarios
- →You own agricultural land and want to develop a commercial solar farm
- →You need to navigate the EIA process for a large energy project
- →You want to add battery storage to an existing solar installation
- →Your solar application has been refused and you want to appeal
- →Your project exceeds 50MW and may need a Development Consent Order
- →You need to coordinate multiple specialist consultants for a complex application
Why Urban Vista Planning?
Energy infrastructure planning requires a detailed understanding of national energy policy, local plan policy, and the range of technical assessments required to support an application. We bring Chartered Town Planner expertise to every instruction, acting as the lead consultant and coordinating all specialist inputs to deliver a coherent, well-evidenced application.
Specialist Infrastructure Knowledge
Deep experience in energy planning policy and the consenting process for commercial energy projects.
Full Process Management
We coordinate all specialists — ecologists, landscape architects, heritage consultants — so you have one point of contact.
Chartered Planners
MRTPI and MCIHT accredited — the recognised standard for planning and transport practice.
UK-Wide Coverage
Offices in Taplow, Leeds, and Hereford. We work on energy projects across England and Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a commercial solar farm require planning permission?
Yes. Commercial solar farms require full planning permission from the local planning authority, or in the case of very large projects (over 50MW in England), a Development Consent Order from the Planning Inspectorate as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). We advise on the correct consenting route from the outset.
What is the planning process for a solar farm?
The process typically involves a site appraisal, pre-application engagement with the council, preparation of a planning application with supporting documents (landscape assessment, ecology, heritage, etc.), submission, and determination. We coordinate the entire process including specialist consultants.
What assessments are typically required for a solar farm application?
Most solar farm applications require a landscape and visual impact assessment, ecology survey, heritage assessment, flood risk assessment, and a glint and glare assessment. Larger sites may also require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). We coordinate all specialist inputs.
Can battery storage be added to an existing solar farm?
It depends on the scale and the conditions attached to the original consent. Adding battery storage often requires a new planning application or a non-material amendment to the existing permission. We can advise on the most efficient route.
What are the planning timescales for a solar farm?
A standard planning application is determined within 13 weeks for major development. However, from initial site appraisal to decision, the total process — including pre-application and preparation — typically takes 9–18 months depending on the complexity and the local authority.
Discuss Your Energy Project
Book a free initial consultation and get expert advice on the consenting route for your project.
Book a Free Consultation