WIGTON SOLAR PLANNING PACK

CUMBERLAND COUNCIL

BACKGROUND

Through its Carbon Management Strategy, Cumberland Council has identified the need to reduce carbon emissions associated with its electricity use. A parcel of land on the northern edge of Wigton has been identified as a potential site for a solar farm, providing an opportunity to generate renewable electricity locally.

A full planning package was prepared for the site in 2023. With planning policies and legislation having since evolved, the package required updating to reflect current requirements and support a new planning submission.

OUTCOME

d3associates were appointed to undertake this work, coordinating a multidisciplinary team of specialist consultants to deliver the required surveys, assessments and reports.

The team includes a solar farm designer, who is also liaising with
the Distribution Network Operator regarding the proposed grid connection, together with specialists in planning, ecology, heritage, geo-environmental assessment, flood risk and drainage, transport and landscape.

Preliminary work was undertaken to support a pre-application submission, while the detailed solar farm design was developed to enable the necessary assessments to be completed.

The updated planning package will provide Cumberland Council with
the information required to support its planning application. Following submission, d3associates will continue to support the Council through the public consultation process.

The Council is also keen to explore opportunities for the electricity generated by the solar farm to benefit local people. Subject to planning approval, it intends to engage with local residents to explore the potential for a Council and community energy partnership.