Landscape Susceptibility in relation to Energy Generation, Storage and Transmission - SPD

Support

Representation ID: 4366

Received: 31/08/2025

Respondent: CPRE Norfolk

The stated aim of the document is to provide guidance for those seeking to identify suitable sites for the location of energy generation, storage and transmission projects and although the SPD study says it relates to the following solar photovoltaic schemes: "small scale up to 5MW, medium-field scale up to 15MW, and larger-scale 15to 50MW”, it also states that funding for the project: "has enabled the council to commission a study to assess the sensitivities and capacities of the various landscapes of South Norfolk district to accommodate energy-related NSIP and non-NSIP projects." So, there is a reference to it being relevant to NSIP schemes.
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We consider that while the document may be appropriate for smaller scale schemes determined by the local planning authority, we fear that some aspects of the SPD could be used by NSIP developers to facilitate their mega solar projects.
In order to clarify the scope of the document to avoid potential unwarranted interpretations it should be clearly stated that this document is only relevant to planning decisions made by the local planning authority for schemes with a size of up to 50MW and is not to be applied to NSIP schemes.
A key objective of the SPD is to: "assess the landscape susceptibility of different types and scales of energy development/infrastructure in relation to the seven generic landscape types identified in the district (A: Rural River Valley, B: Tributary Farmland, C: Tributary Farmland with Parkland, D: Settled Plateau Farmland, and E: Plateau Farmland, F: Valley Urban Fringe and G: Fringe Farmland)) as defined in the South Norfolk Landscape Character Assessment , along with the 20 geographically discrete landscape character areas identified in the assessment. "
This could provide useful guidance for small scale developments but there is a danger that NSIP developers could exploit references to less sensitive sites, particularly if they are excluded from areas of higher landscape value. The problem CPRE Norfolk foresee for those who are campaigning against NSIPs proposals as a whole, is that it might help some parishes to build a case for certain fields to be excluded but then the developer could seek to replace those lost fields by including extra sites elsewhere.
Therefore, it is really important that the SPD clearly states that it is not applicable to NSIP applications

Support

Representation ID: 4367

Received: 31/08/2025

Respondent: CPRE Norfolk

Furthermore to ensure full alignment with national and local policy, CPRE Norfolk recommends to incorporate a “Rooftop and Brownfield First” principle into the siting hierarchy for solar energy developments. Promoting the installation of solar panels on industrial, commercial, and public-sector buildings and the use of brownfield and under-utilised sites before considering greenfield proposals, and therefore recognising the solar generation potential in the built environment, would further strengthened the new SPD and better align it with CPRE Norfolk’s landscape-first approach to climate action.