Regener8 Power – planning communications for solar farm developments
Background
Regener8 Power is a sustainable and ethical renewable energy company with a particular focus on the construction and long-term management of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy projects.
The company was founded in 2018 by a highly experienced team of renewable energy professionals and is headquartered in Guildford, UK. It focusses on the development of high-impact solar, energy storage, and green hydrogen projects across Europe including the United Kingdom, Poland and Italy.
Brief
Regener8 Power approached Quantum PR to provide planning consultation support for several projects in the UK, including a 21MW solar farm and battery storage project at Sedgeford Hall near Heacham in West Norfolk, and a 48MW solar and energy storage project at Crimscote near Alderminster in Warwickshire.
The development of solar projects requires the submission of a detailed planning application to the local planning authority. Engaging and consulting with the public and stakeholders in advance of submitting an application significantly increases the chances of a positive outcome and Regener8 Power appointed Quantum to provide comprehensive pre-planning public relations support, including:
- Stakeholder and local resident audit
- Developing a dedicated project website
- Design and distribution of leaflets, feedback forms and press adverts
- Exhibition board copy writing and design
- Organising and hosting a public exhibition
- Providing a public information telephone hotline and email
- Media relations with local media
- Stakeholder engagement with MPs, local Councillors, Parish Councils
- Compiling consultation report.
Outcomes
Quantum’s wide-ranging public relations and design support culminated in the production of a comprehensive consultation report that documented the extent of Regener8 Power’s pre-application public engagement activities for each project and highlighted where changes to the plans had been made because of the feedback received. Residents and businesses located near the development sites were informed about the projects via an open and clear public relations strategy and given an opportunity to find out more about the plans before an application was submitted.
Since completing the pre-application consultations, Regener8 Power has submitted planning applications for Crimscote Solar Farm and Sedgeford Hall Solar farm, which have both been approved by their respective local authorities under the Town and Country Planning Act.
