Warren Wood Energy Park

Appeal success secures consent for 25MW solar farm in Norfolk

We provided Planning advisory services for a 25MW solar farm at Cawston, Norfolk, representing the scheme at planning appeal and acting as Expert Witnesses throughout the hearing process.

Powering Norfolk's low-carbon future

Located near Cawston in Norfolk, Warren Wood Energy Park occupies a predominantly agricultural setting typical of the county's rural landscape.

The proposed 25MW solar farm has been carefully integrated into its surroundings, enabling continued agricultural use of the land while delivering substantial biodiversity net gains and supporting the transition to renewable energy generation.

The scheme will generate renewable electricity while enabling agricultural use to continue across the site and delivering significant biodiversity net gains.

Image credit: Exagen Developments Ltd

From application to appeal

A full planning application was submitted by Exagen in May 2025 and validated by Broadland District Council in June 2025. The proposals were subsequently refused in December 2025.

Following the refusal of planning permission by the council, the proposals were taken forward through the appeal process. The appeal provided an opportunity to demonstrate the scheme's strong alignment with national renewable energy policy, its ability to maintain agricultural use across the site, and the significant environmental benefits it would deliver.

Acting as Planning advisers and Expert Witnesses, we worked closely with the wider consultant team to present a robust case at the hearing and through detailed written submissions.

Image credit: Gridmark Survey

Addressing the key planning issues

Agricultural land

A key issue at appeal was the classification of the site's agricultural land. Evidence demonstrated that agricultural activities could continue throughout the operational life of the development, with no loss of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land. The Inspector accepted this position, confirming that the proposals would not compromise the long-term agricultural use of the site.

Site selection

The need for a separate site selection exercise formed another area of scrutiny during the appeal. Following a detailed review of the evidence, the Inspector concluded that such an exercise was not required and recognised that alternative sites avoiding BMV land were unlikely to exist.

Building the case

Working closely with the wider consultant team, we prepared a detailed Statement of Common Ground, co-ordinated planning evidence and responded to objections raised throughout the proceedings. This collaborative approach ensured a robust and comprehensive case was presented through both written submissions and the hearing process.

Strong policy support

The appeal also highlighted the scheme's strong alignment with national planning policy and its contribution to renewable energy generation. In allowing the appeal, the Inspector recognised the substantial benefits of the development and the clear policy support for renewable energy projects at both local and national levels.

Appeal success

Planning permission was granted on appeal for the proposed 25MW solar farm, securing an important renewable energy project for Norfolk. The decision also provided an extended implementation period to accommodate grid connection timescales and included a full award of costs to the appellant due to the unreasonable behaviour of the Local Planning Authority.

Once delivered, Warren Wood Energy Park will make a meaningful contribution to local and national renewable energy targets while delivering biodiversity net gains of more than 72% in habitat units and 90% in hedgerow units. The scheme demonstrates how renewable energy infrastructure can support the transition to net zero while maintaining agricultural use and enhancing the natural environment.