A solar development at Manor Farm – east of Denchworth in Oxfordshire – has been granted planning consent following a successful appeal supported by environmental consultancy, Logika Group.
Working alongside developer, Renewable Connections, Logika Group used its ecological expertise to help secure consent for the scheme, which will generate approximately 33,000 MWh of renewable energy annually – enough to power thousands of homes and help accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero.
Initially refused by Vale of White Horse District Council on the grounds of landscape, ecology, transport and heritage concerns, the proposal was overturned on appeal by Planning Inspector, S. Rennie.
Logika Group provided environmental planning and technical guidance throughout to support this outcome, including leading the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and producing a detailed skylark mitigation plan to support biodiversity on site. Rather than using land outside the planned project area to reduce impact on local skylark populations, Logika’s plan demonstrated how the birds could be supported within the site boundary, strengthening the case for approval.
Logika Group provided ecological evidence at the appeal, with the inspector agreeing that the approach was “reasonable and likely to be effective”. This was a key factor in demonstrating that the development could move forward.
The inspector also concluded that potential heritage impacts were also judged to be at the lower end of the “less than substantial” harm range, with the environmental and energy benefits vastly outweighing these concerns.
Speaking about the win, Technical Director of Ecology at Logika Group, Alan Kirby, said: “This project helps support the UK’s transition to Net Zero and is a good example of how nature-positive development can be achieved through thoughtful, science-backed plans. We’re proud to have supported Renewable Connections with the evidence and strategy needed to overcome ecological objections and help secure consent for a project that will be of benefit to the UK and its environment”.
The outcome marks another successful milestone for Logika Group, which continues to play a leading role in enabling sustainable infrastructure across the UK.
With offices in London, Brighton, Bristol, Warrington and Brussels, Logika Group comprises of four sister companies: Air Quality Consultants, Noise Consultants, Logika Consultants and Logika Europe – to deliver science-led solutions across environmental policy and planning.
Logika supports clients across the full project lifecycle, with a focus on measurable sustainability and long-term positive impact.
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