- Co-located Solar PV and Battery Storage
Pudds Cross Solar Park & BESS, Hertfordshire
- Dacorum Hertfordshire
Project Overview:
Enzygo secured planning permission for Pudds Cross Solar Park and BESS, comprising a 22MW solar photovoltaic development and a 10MW Battery Energy Storage System in Dacorum, Hertfordshire.
The site’s sensitive location within the Green Belt, adjacent to the Chilterns National Landscape and close to several Listed Buildings, required a carefully considered planning strategy.
Proactive engagement with planning officers, stakeholders and the local community helped shape the final proposals and secure consent for the development.
The challenge
The project was located within a particularly sensitive planning and environmental context.
As well as its position within the Green Belt, the site was adjacent to the Chilterns National Landscape and several Listed Buildings. The planning application therefore needed to demonstrate that the renewable energy benefits of the scheme could be delivered while responding appropriately to landscape, heritage and local community considerations.
Our role
Enzygo led the planning process and worked proactively with officers throughout the application.
Early and ongoing engagement allowed key planning matters to be discussed as the proposals developed. Enzygo also worked closely with relevant stakeholders and the local community, using their feedback to help inform and refine the final development proposals.
Our services
Planning
Our planning team managed the application and developed a robust planning case addressing the site’s Green Belt location and the need for renewable energy and battery storage infrastructure.
Planning strategy
A clear planning strategy was developed to address the relationship between the proposed development, the Chilterns National Landscape and nearby Listed Buildings.
Stakeholder engagement
Enzygo maintained constructive engagement with planning officers and other stakeholders throughout the application process, helping to identify and resolve concerns.
Community consultation
The local community was engaged during the planning process, with feedback helping to shape the final design and development proposals.
Multidisciplinary coordination
The relevant technical and planning considerations were brought together to create a coordinated and comprehensive application.
The outcome
Planning permission was secured for the 22MW solar farm and 10MW Battery Energy Storage System.
The positive decision demonstrated that renewable energy development can be successfully delivered within the Green Belt and close to sensitive landscape and heritage assets when supported by careful planning and meaningful engagement.
Pudds Cross Solar Park and BESS combines renewable electricity generation with battery storage infrastructure, allowing energy generated by the solar farm to be stored and used more effectively.
The project demonstrates how co-located solar and battery storage developments can be delivered within sensitive locations through robust planning, early engagement and a responsive design process.
The project benefited from expertise across the following Enzygo disciplines.
Key achievements
Combined renewable energy consent
Permission was secured for both a 22MW solar farm and a 10MW Battery Energy Storage System.
Green Belt approval
The development was approved despite its sensitive location within the Green Belt.
Sensitive setting addressed
The planning process successfully considered the site’s relationship with the Chilterns National Landscape and nearby Listed Buildings.
Community feedback incorporated
Engagement with stakeholders and the local community helped shape the final development proposals.
Pudds Cross Solar Park & BESS, Hertfordshire
