Recommendation 27

HM Government Accepted

28. We welcome a more strategic approach to energy infrastructure planning that integrates the pursuit of climate and biodiversity goals and enables the early consideration of nature protection on a habitat-wide basis. We are encouraged to see this ambition reflected in the government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) Methodology, the Land Use Framework (LUF) and the National Energy System Operator (NESO)’s high-level methodology principles for the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP). We recognise that these plans are still in development. However, the decision to subject the SSEP and the CSNP to detailed environmental assessments strengthens our conclusion that, if they realise this ambition, these strategic plans should be given weight in the determination of applications for development consent. We share the Committee’s view that strategic planning aims to integrate climate and biodiversity goals early on in the process and welcome the conclusion that strategic plans should be given weight in consenting decisions. As highlighted by the Committee, the CSNP process will consider environmental impacts of options as part of NESO’s assessment. The final plan will also be subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment and a Marine Conservation Zone assessment where applicable. The SSEP environmental assessments will be undertaken at a strategic level, to reflect the strategic nature of the plan. 29. Scientific evidence presented to us shows that, if well-planned and well-managed specifically to benefit nature, solar farms can increase biodiversity by creating mixed habitats for birds and other wildlife. Government recognises that, in some instances, solar projects can affect the local environment, wildlife, and biodiversity. It is important that the government can strike the right balance between these considerations and securing a clean, green energy system for the future. That is why the planning system is designed to take account of these issues. However, we agree that there is evidence that solar can improve biodiversity especially where it is installed on agricultural land. In some cases, these biodiversity benefits, including increases in the number of pollinators, can also lead to increased productivity on adjacent agricultural land.4 4 H. Montag, G Parker & T. Clarkson. 2016. The Effects of Solar. Farms on Local Biodiversity; A Comparative Study https://www.clarksonwoods.co.uk/projects/projects_solarresearch.html Well-designed and well managed solar farms can support a range of ecosystem services including agriculture (sheep grazing, supporting pollinators species), regulate air quality, mitigate flood risk, create new habitats and reduce carbon emissions. This is why organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have expressed their support for solar farms.5 30. The government should consider how guidance in the National Policy Statements could respond to such findings by positively encouraging such practices. The NPSs encourage sustainable development, the restoration of nature, nature inclusive design and early engagement between developers and Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies. These principles are woven throughout the NPSs (for example in EN-1 at sections 2, 4 and 5). Section 4.6 of EN-1 is dedicated to Environmental and Biodiversity Net Gain, and makes clear that energy NSIP proposals should seek opportunities to contribute to and enhance the natural environment by providing net gains for biodiversity and the wider environment where possible. Applicants are guided to read technology specific NPSs in conjunction with the overarching energy NPS EN-1, and guidance specific to solar farms is included in EN-3. Section 2.10 of EN-3 recognises the potential of solar farms to produce wider environmental gains and increase the biodiversity value of a site. The NPS states that applicants should consider any reasonable opportunities to maximise restoration, creation, and enhancement of wider biodiversity. It signposts applicants to considerations and opportunities identified through Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and national goals and targets set through the Environment Act 2021 and the Environmental Improvement Plan. Applicants are further guided to consider as part of the design, layout, construction, and future maintenance plans how to protect and retain, wherever possible, the growth of vegetation on site boundaries, as well as the growth of existing hedges, established vegetation, including mature trees within boundaries. 31. The government should require developers to avoid building on land that has high ecological and climate value, such as peat and saltmarsh. Certain habitats, such as types of peat or saltmarsh habitat, may be deemed ‘irreplaceable habitats’ and appropriately protected (EN-1 section 5). Energy NSIPs typically require the applicant to conduct an Environmental Impact A