Winning the Appeal: Ecological Risk Management for Burcot Solar Farm
At Ecology by Design, we recently supported the Burcot Solar Farm project, which involved an extensive ecological assessment for both the 56.4ha solar farm site and its c. 8km connection to the national grid. Our role was to ensure that the planning application was underpinned by robust ecological evidence while managing costs and risks for the client.
Proportionate and targeted surveying
Early in the project (February–August 2021), we carried out a full suite of ecological surveys to inform the original planning application (P22/S0960/FUL). These included:
- Phase 1 habitat survey and Biodiversity Impact Assessment
- Breeding bird surveys (five visits March–July)
- Otter and water vole surveys
- eDNA surveys for great crested newts
- Badger survey
- Daytime tree assessments for bats
Through early consultation with the Local Planning Authority (LPA), we tailored our survey programme to address all regulatory concerns without undertaking unnecessary additional surveys, ensuring the client’s budget was used efficiently.
Addressing survey data age: risk management in action
Despite our proportionate approach, delays to the planning process meant some surveys were considered out-of-date by the time of determination, therefore age of survey data was an issue at appeal (P23/S4132/FUL). To manage this risk, we:
- Undertook targeted update surveys in 2024, including breeding birds, badgers, potential bat roost trees, and a revised biodiversity metric assessment.
- Consulted closely with the LPA to confirm that the updates addressed all their concerns, avoiding the need for attendance at the full planning inquiry.
This proactive approach limited additional cost exposure and reduced the risk of extended project delays for the client.
Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain and compliance
Our updated Ecological Impact Assessment demonstrated that the solar farm would deliver a net gain for biodiversity:
- +86.7% habitat units
- +184.1% hedgerow units
Mitigation and enhancement measures were designed to safeguard priority species such as skylark, badgers, bats, and water voles, while improving habitat connectivity and foraging opportunities across the site. By updating our assessments, we ensured that the client’s proposal complied with national and local planning policies, including the NPPF, BS 42020, and South Oxfordshire Local Plan policies ENV2, ENV3, and DES1.
Managing costs and risks for the client
Through careful planning and targeted surveys, we:
- Optimised survey expenditure: avoiding unnecessary surveys while satisfying the LPA’s requirements.
- Mitigated planning risks: by updating surveys at key points, we addressed objections before they could escalate into costly appeals.
- Avoided inquiry costs: close liaison with the LPA ensured the appeal could be resolved without attending a public inquiry.
- Enhanced project value: by embedding Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat enhancements, we helped the client demonstrate sustainability and regulatory compliance, reducing potential delays in permitting and construction.
The Burcot Solar Farm project demonstrates how a proportionate, risk-aware approach to ecological surveying not only protects wildlife and habitat but also safeguards client budgets and project timelines.
Outcomes
In March 2025, planning permission was granted for the installation of a ground mounted solar photovoltaic array, co-located battery energy storage scheme together with associated infrastructures, planning reference P23/S4132/FUL.
The Council also stated that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required.
For further information contact:
Laura Grant BSc (Hons) CEcol MCIEEM
Associate Director, Ecology by Design Ltd
Tel: 01865 893348
Mob: 07495 00213
