Case Study: Lower House Farm Solar Farm Consultation
- Project: Lower House Farm, Solar Farm, Preston, Lancashire
Project Overview
Community Engagement Consultants were appointed by greentech to provide consultation support for a proposed development of a solar farm at Lower House Farm, situated off Lewth Lane near Woodplumpton in Preston, Lancashire. The scheme involves installing photovoltaic (PV) solar panels across approximately 24-hectares (c. 50 acres) of agricultural land, with the capacity to generate around 18–20MW of renewable energy — sufficient to power thousands of local homes and contribute to regional carbon reduction goals.
The solar arrays would be fixed east–west on metal frames with a maximum height of around 3.25 metres, allowing agricultural use — such as grazing sheep beneath the panels — to continue.
Why Here?
The location was selected for several reasons:
- Grid connection capability — existing high-voltage network capacity near the site reduces the need for new overhead infrastructure.
- Land suitability — proximity to a nearby substation and suitable topography make Lower House Farm a practical location for a solar energy facility.
- Dual use — panels mounted high enough to allow livestock grazing and grassland management beneath.
Benefits of the Project
- Renewable Energy Generation: The solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power nearly 5,900 homes annually, supporting local and national energy targets.
- Low Emissions: Once operational, the solar arrays will produce electricity without emissions to air, water, or land.
- Agricultural Co-existence: Sheep grazing and grassland are maintained under the panels, with special shade-tolerant seed mixes proposed to support vegetation growth.
- Temporary Land Use: The development has a typical operational lifespan of up to 40 years, after which the site can be decommissioned and restored to traditional grassland.
- Landscape and Environmental Measures: Proposed planting of native hedgerows and additional landscaping aims to integrate the development into the local character and provide biodiversity opportunities.
Consultation and Engagement
A public consultation exercise was carried out by the project team to introduce the proposals to local residents and stakeholders. Activities included:
- Public exhibition event — held at a local venue (Parish Room, St Anne’s Church, Woodplumpton) where attendees could view plans, ask questions, and provide comments.
- Online consultation materials — exhibition boards and project information were made available on the project website for those unable to attend in person.
- Feedback period — residents and interested parties were invited to submit comments via email or in writing before the consultation deadline.
During the consultation, the team explained:
- The layout of the solar arrays
- Plans for ecological and landscape enhancements
- The anticipated benefits and operational approach
- Opportunities to submit views and questions before planning submission.
Outcomes & Influence on Planning
The consultation process for the Lower House Farm Solar Farm played a meaningful role in shaping the final planning submission and strengthening the overall scheme.
Responding to Community Feedback
Feedback gathered during the public exhibition, online consultation, and stakeholder engagement was carefully reviewed by the project team. Several refinements were made prior to the formal planning submission, including:
- Landscape Enhancements: Additional native hedgerow planting and boundary reinforcement were incorporated to further reduce visual impact from nearby public viewpoints and residential properties.
- Layout Adjustments: Minor amendments to panel positioning were made to improve screening and maintain existing landscape features where possible.
- Biodiversity Measures: Greater detail was provided within the planning application regarding ecological enhancements, including species-rich grassland seeding and habitat creation to deliver measurable biodiversity net gain.
- Agricultural Management Clarification: Further explanation was included on how sheep grazing would operate beneath the panels, addressing concerns regarding long-term land stewardship and soil quality.
Strengthening the Planning Submission
The early consultation process ensured that local issues were identified before submission, allowing the planning application to proactively address potential concerns. This resulted in:
- A more robust Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
- Clearer documentation on agricultural co-use and land restoration
- Expanded ecological mitigation and enhancement commitments
- Greater transparency around construction management and operational lifespan
By engaging early and openly with the community, the applicant demonstrated alignment with national and local planning policy encouraging meaningful pre-application consultation for renewable energy developments.
Planning Determination
The consultation outcomes contributed to a well-informed planning submission to Preston City Council, with key matters addressed prior to determination. The scheme was considered in the context of renewable energy targets, agricultural land classification, landscape impact, and biodiversity enhancements.
Overall, the consultation process helped to:
- Reduce uncertainty around the proposal
- Improve scheme design and mitigation measures
- Provide elected members with clear evidence of community engagement
- Support informed decision-making at planning committee stage
Legacy
Beyond planning determination, the consultation established a transparent line of communication between the project team and the local community. This foundation supports continued engagement during the construction and operational phases of the development.
The Lower House Farm Solar Farm consultation demonstrates how early engagement can positively influence renewable energy proposals — balancing climate action, rural land management, and community considerations within the planning process.
Planning Status
Greentech has engaged with Preston City Council in support of a formal planning application. Planning documents submitted to the local authority outline the technical details of the proposal and set out environmental, visual, and agricultural considerations.
Preston City Council’s planning committee has discussed the scheme, noting it would be largely screened from public view and would retain agricultural use at the site. The development was granted planning permission
