The third key element of a project represents planning consent, encompassing the generating units, any complementary technologies, electrical infrastructure, access works, and other associated infrastructure. Planning risk is carefully managed to maximise the prospect of being awarded planning permission, which is particularly important given the significant investment made in the project through the development process.

At the earliest stage in a project, it is useful to gain feedback from local planners and key consultees. This engagement takes place in a confidential manner, before the project is in the public domain and provides useful insights into the key concerns of planners and consultees.

As the project design progresses, the project would typically be submitted for a screening and scoping assessment. This process allows us to tailor the planning application and, most importantly, whether the Local Authority concludes that the project meets the threshold for requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). At both screening and scoping, the relevant submissions are available to the public. For onshore wind sites, it is often at this stage when an application is also submitted for a meteorological mast.

Building strong relationships with communities, councils, and other stakeholders is crucial to the success of any project. We seek to foster trust and collaboration, addressing concerns and ensuring alignment with community needs. Our community engagement will be determined on a project-by-project basis, but might include direct engagement with local counsellors and community council leaders, public mailshots, online questionnaires and public exhibitions. Feedback obtained from these sources is an important input in our design process and we carefully consider all comments received.

The workload on the project team significantly ramps up as the project nears a planning submission. Once feedback has been fully reviewed following scoping, public exhibitions, environmental and technical survey work, as well as input from technical specialists, the project design can be ‘frozen’. This can be a somewhat iterative process (requiring design ‘chills’), but once the design has been finalised, the environmental reports (or EIA, if applicable), can be prepared, along with all of the relevant technical appendices and assessments. A great deal of work and care goes into every planning submission we make and by putting together a high calibre team, REG Power is able to ensure the best possible planning application is submitted in a timely manner.

Our experienced project managers oversee the project budget and schedule, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to avoid delays and cost overruns. By continuously monitoring progress, we ensure resources are allocated effectively, providing transparency and accountability throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Accurate wind data is crucial for determining the viability of onshore wind projects. We oversee the installation and operation of meteorological masts and remote sensing technologies such as LiDAR or SoDAR to gather wind speed, direction and consistency data. These data informs energy yield calculations and supports financial modelling for project development.

As part of the planning and development process, we have oversight of all site surveys, including ecological assessments, noise impact studies, visual impact assessments and geotechnical evaluations. Our team ensures these surveys are conducted by qualified experts and align with project timelines to mitigate risks and ensure planning approval.

Onshore wind projects can face challenges related to aviation safety and radar interference. We work with aviation authorities and stakeholders to negotiate and implement mitigation measures that satisfy safety requirements while maintaining project viability. Our team ensures compliance with regulations, allowing projects to move forward without unnecessary obstacles.

Once the planning application has been submitted, we continue our work to engage with the local community and key stakeholders to listen to any concerns, respond to queries and feedback and prepare the community benefits package.

Particular stakeholders may need separate agreements to be put in place during this post-submission phase, such as to deal with civil or military aviation impacts or habitat management. It would also be during this phase prior to a planning decision that we would agree any planning agreements with the relevant decision making body, usually a Local Planning Authority.