Ethical Planning recently secured full planning permission for the part-retrospective installation of Solar PV panels at a residential property in Horsley, Northumberland. The site is located within a designated conservation area, adding sensitivity and complexity to the application.
The project involved addressing planning risks on several fronts. As the solar panels had already been installed, the application needed to be retrospective, carrying the added concern of potential enforcement action. In addition, the location within a rural conservation area meant the proposal was subject to heightened scrutiny, including comments from parish councils and the need to demonstrate that the visual and heritage impact would be acceptable.
Crucially, EP successfully navigated intricate permitted development rules, which are commonly misunderstood or misapplied when it comes to renewable technologies in protected settings.
Through a clear and well-evidenced submission, including a robust planning statement and heritage assessment, we were able to guide the application smoothly through the planning process. Approval was granted quickly and without onerous conditions, removing the threat of enforcement and providing peace of mind to the client.
This outcome demonstrates how renewable energy solutions can be successfully integrated into sensitive environments when handled with the right expertise and care.