JEC Strategic Infrastructure Project

The development proposals supply part of the delivery of JE’s strategically significant 36MwP renewable electricity generation infrastructure for the Public of the Island of Jersey over several sites. The 36MwP energy generation of the infrastructure derives from: a) 11MwP of rooftop solar array infrastructure; and b) the balance of 25MwP of power deriving from ground-mounted solar arrays, of which three locations have been granted planning at Moulin au Vent, Sorel, and Rue d’Olive.

The Development Proposals for the Renewable Electricity Generation Infrastructure respond to the Government of Jersey’s strategic policies most recently articulated by the Carbon Neutral Strategy (2022) (CNS, 2022). Responding to the declaration by the States Assembly of a Climate Emergency in 2019, Strategic Policies 1 and 2 of the CNS, 2022 provide for the aim of Jersey being carbon net zero by 2030, and to increase the Island’s energy sovereignty, as well as contributing to affordable electrical energy, for the island community.

Planning Strategy & Assessment Methodology

To deliver this strategic infrastructure project, Steedman Planning worked closely with Jersey Electricity (JE) and the wider Project Team to design bespoke assessment approaches tailored to emerging Island policy requirements.

• We coordinated the full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to support the planning applications.
• Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) - All submissions were supported by comprehensive LVIAs, with visualisations prepared in strict accordance with best practice Landscape Institute Guidance.
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) -  Every application included a BNG assessment, alongside Habitat Monitoring and Management Plans to secure long-term ecological and land condition enhancements.

Securing Permission & The "Agri-Solar" Framework

A key aspect of our approach was pioneering a bespoke assessment framework for Agri-Solar, the dual use of land for both renewable energy generation and agriculture.

• Permission was informed by a Planning Obligation Agreement. This legally secured the ongoing dual use of the land, as well as its eventual restoration and improved condition.
• Stephanie attended the Planning Committee meetings for all three applications, assisting the decision-makers in understanding the likely environmental impacts and mitigation measures.

Outcomes & Operational Success

The strategy resulted in planning permission being granted for all three sites. The project is now operational and delivering tangible benefits:

• 5,087 MWh of energy has been generated locally over the last 12 months.
• The land remains in active use by Panigot Farm, with sheep currently grazing the sites.
• The project has delivered restored hedges and enhanced overall land condition.

Work With Steedman Planning

Steedman Planning leads a team capable of delivering best-practice EIA, LVIA, and BNG assessments to inform complex planning submissions.

Does your development schedule fall under the EIA Order?Please contact us if your project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment to inform a planning application.