Key environmental considerations
The key environmental impacts due to the construction and operation of solar energy installations and associated grid connections include:
Development footprint
- habitat damage (including bogs, heathlands and low nutrient grasslands)
- species disturbance and/or displacement
- modification to waterways including alterations to existing crossing structures such as culverts within the site
Pollution of water environment
- run-off contaminated by chemicals used for routine maintenance effecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems and fisheries
Landscape and visual
- perceived change to the landscape character and visual amenity of the area
- degradation of the scenic value/landscape setting of designated areas
DAERA normally only provides advice on the impacts of developments located within the boundary of the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site or its distinctive Landscape Setting or for major/regionally significant Wind Farm developments located within the boundary of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Documents/information required
The following lists the documents/information that may be required to ensure that DAERA can provide a substantive response:
Development details
- site access arrangements
- position of all infrastructure
- drainage Plan
Surveys/assessments
Ecological e.g
- habitat
- priority/protected species
The need for surveys should be informed by a preliminary ecological assessment and biological records check. The Biodiversity Checklist can be used for the initial assessment process.
Landscape and visual impact
DAERA normally only provides advice on the impacts of developments located within the boundary of the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site or its distinctive Landscape Setting or for major/regionally significant Wind Farm developments located within the boundary of an Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB).
Mitigation/compensation
- Pollution Prevention Measures:
- during construction
- during routine maintenance
- Outline habitat management/mitigation plan
- Species mitigation
Further Guidance
Solar Energy Standing Advice
Drainage plan