A planning application for a solar farm or battery site comes with a stack of reports. Each one answers a question the local planning authority, or the people it consults, will ask. Here is what they are, in plain English, for England.

Solar farms up to 100MW are now decided by the local planning authority. Battery storage is decided by the local planning authority whatever its size.

The main surveys

Landscape and visual impact (LVIA)

What it answers: how will the site change the landscape, and the views from homes, roads and footpaths?

A landscape architect follows recognised guidance (GLVIA3) and recommends screening, such as new hedges. National policy says major development in National Parks and National Landscapes should be refused except in exceptional circumstances, so these areas are much harder.

Ecology

What it answers: what wildlife uses the site, and how will it be protected?

It usually starts with a walkover survey of habitats. Then come species surveys if needed, for example for bats, great crested newts, badgers or ground-nesting birds such as skylarks. Many surveys can only be done at certain times of year, so this is often the item that sets the timetable. Start early.

Biodiversity net gain (BNG)

What it answers: will nature be at least 10% better off after the development?

This has been mandatory for most development in England since February 2024. It is measured with the government’s statutory metric, and the habitat must be looked after for at least 30 years. Solar farms can often deliver it on site, with wildflower margins, hedges and managed grassland.

Agricultural land classification (ALC)

What it answers: how good is the farmland?

Land is graded from 1 (excellent) to 5 (very poor). Grades 1, 2 and 3a are the “best and most versatile” land, and policy steers solar towards lower grades where possible. A soil scientist takes samples across the site, usually about one per hectare. The local planning authority must consult Natural England if 20 hectares or more of the best land could be lost.

Heritage and archaeology

What it answers: will the site harm listed buildings, their setting, or buried archaeology?

A heritage statement looks at nearby heritage assets and views. For archaeology, there is usually a desk study, then a geophysical survey, then trial trenches if needed.

Glint and glare

What it answers: could reflections from the panels affect drivers, homes, trains or aircraft?

A specialist models where reflections could fall. Sites near airfields need extra care.

Flood risk assessment

What it answers: is the site at risk of flooding, and will it make flooding worse elsewhere?

It is needed in Flood Zones 2 and 3, and for any site of 1 hectare or more in Flood Zone 1. That covers almost every solar farm. It comes with a drainage strategy.

Other reports you may need

  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening: the local planning authority decides if a full EIA is needed. Most solar farms don’t need one, but some larger or sensitive sites do.
  • Trees: a tree survey where hedges or trees could be affected.
  • Transport: a construction traffic plan, as lorries need safe access during the build.
  • Noise: mainly for inverters and battery sites close to homes.
  • Battery fire safety: for battery storage, a safety plan following the National Fire Chiefs Council’s guidance, updated in December 2025. It covers spacing, water supply and access for the fire service. Talk to the fire service early.
  • Decommissioning: national policy now expects time-limited sites to show how the land will be restored at the end.

Before you apply

  • Pre-application advice from the local planning authority is worth having. It flags problems early.
  • Talk to the community. It isn’t compulsory for solar, but local planning authorities expect it, and the planning statement should report what you heard.

How long it all takes

Seasonal ecology surveys mean the full set often takes several months, sometimes most of a year. Grid, landscape design and surveys should run side by side, so nothing waits on anything else.

What we do

Our in-house Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) scopes the surveys your site actually needs, appoints and manages the specialists, and pulls it all into one application. Surveys are charged at cost plus a management fee. See our fixed fees →

Related: Planning consultancy · Battery storage development · Glossary

Sources

Facts last checked 8 October 2026. This is general guidance, not planning advice for a specific site.