Utilising Brownfield and Waste Sites for Solar Energy by Local Authorities

Background

Many old landfill sites, often located on former bomb sites, remain underused and require ongoing environmental monitoring. These areas represent thousands of potential locations across the UK that could be repurposed rather than left idle.

As times were difficult when many sites were filled, the composition of the fill was not well documented if at all, and so there is an attitude of ‘leave well alone’. All these sites and others into the 1960s are known to the Authorities and often marked in grey on the local plan -- in some cases even making up part of the open spaces. They have generally been “gassed off,” and the leachate levels are very low, but in both cases monitoring is legally required, which costs money.

There is growing potential for English local authorities to use these brownfield and waste sites for solar energy projects. By partnering with developers like Universal Energy Developments Ltd (UED), councils can support net-zero targets and gain economic benefits without upfront investment, which we would take on.

Potential

Partnering with companies such as UED ensures economically viable, low-impact projects. We pay an annual rent (CPI-indexed) on long-term leases, and recent grid connection changes now favour projects that are ready to proceed. Local authorities can take advantage of this by preparing viable solar schemes.

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) also offer opportunities for towns and cities to benefit from solar energy, particularly when combined with rooftop and small solar park developments on unused land. ConsensusPower (consensuspower.com) is working with some authorities to benefit the local communities. They have expertise in the changing energy market to assist at no cost to the local authorities, who retain freehold ownership and reclaim the land after leases expire.

Benefits of Using Brownfield Sites

• Environmental protection by aligning with planning policies and promoting renewables.
• Economic gains through job creation, enhanced local revenues, and stable rental income.
• Improved energy efficiency via direct wire connections to local facilities, reducing losses.
• Planning expertise within councils helps speed up project approvals.

Recommendations

• Pursue partnerships between local authorities, developers and BIDs to develop solar parks on brownfield sites.
• Simplify and expedite the planning process using local authority knowledge.
• Enable direct renewable energy connections to high-demand sites within communities.

By following this strategy, local authorities can drive renewable energy adoption and local economic growth while preserving agricultural and natural land.

The time to do this is now – what will your local authority do?