Project development & consenting

Noise sources from the project have to be taken into account during the development stage. We make every effort to minimise the impact of noise on local residents and wildlife. Sites are designed to comply with the relevant environmental regulations and standards with a range of measures that can include specific equipment design (to lower sound power levels), site location and orientation, and noise attenuation. The planning applications include a technical report on how plants will achieve compliance with these standards.

Plant and equipment that produce emissions are controlled to a level that satisfy the Environment Agency’s permitting regime, which in the case of larger peaking plants require a Part A Permit to operate. This benchmark is a significantly more stringent standard to reach than other smaller scale peaking plant.

Visual impact is location specific, but we always employ a specialist consultant to assess the potential landscape and visual effects of each project. In the event there is likely to be any material impact, mitigation will typically be proposed in the form of building design, site layout, earth modelling and tree planting.

Our site selection process seeks to avoid development on areas of sensitive ecology. Typically, greenfield development is on farmland. We always employ an ecologist to assess the wildlife potential of each site and then prepare a strategy to ensure that harm and habitat loss is minimised. In line with emerging Government policy, we aim to achieve a net biodiversity gain where this is possible.

The access arrangements for both the site construction and ongoing operation will be fully considered for each site. Most sites generate little traffic on a day-to-day basis. Through the construction period Transport Management plans are agree with Local Authorities. Once operational, there should be limited traffic movements. Measures are implemented to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding communities throughout the project lifecycle.