Our role
- We provided a multi-service advisory team to support Xela Energy on a private-wire solar development in Hursley that would directly serve IBM.
- The initial assessment of the wider area identified a preferred location that minimised landscape and heritage harm. Through formal pre-application, this was further refined and the proposals confirmed as non EIA development.
- Early engagement included political and community research and sentiment tracking, which was used to inform our engagement strategy and project positioning. This secured positive feedback from key City Councillors and stakeholders.
Results
- Planning permission was granted under delegated officer authority. This was subsequent to receiving minimal comments from key consultees, and no objections from residents and interested parties, but instead extensive support.
- Once developed, the facility would generate almost 5 million kWh of energy annually, saving the equivalent of c.46,000 tonnes of CO2 or planting c.60,000 trees over the scheme’s lifetime. The greenhouse gas savings alone would equate to removing around 580 UK cars off the road.
