Solar Energy SPD

The Solar Energy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted on 10 June 2025.

This SPD provides guidance on the application and interpretation of local and national policy on major stand-alone ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) developments in the Newark and Sherwood district, with special consideration given to protected local features.

As an SPD this document provides further guidance on policies within the Council’s Amended Core Strategy DPD and Allocations and Development Management DPD but does not develop new ones. This SPD is part of the Council’s Local Development Framework and is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

The Solar Energy SPD can be seen here:

Solar Energy Supplementary Planning Document (PDF File, 864kb)

Landscape Sensitivity Assessment (PDF File, 27,190kb)

The Landscape Sensitivity Assessment (LSA) for wind and solar energy schemes provides judgements on the landscape sensitivity of different parts of Newark and Sherwood District to these forms of development. The findings of this study will underpin the Local Plan and will be used to guide the determination of planning applications.

The LSA comprises a criteria-based assessment, in line with the Natural England guidance on Landscape Sensitivity Assessment. The study is based on the description and classification of the landscape presented in the 2013 Newark and Sherwood Landscape Character Assessment Supplementary Planning Document. 

Additional documents supporting the Solar Energy SPD can be seen here:

Adoption Statement (PDF File, 130kb)

Statement of Consultation (PDF File, 483kb)

Consultation Responses Document (PDF File, 286kb)

The Solar Energy SPD and supporting documents are also available for inspection at District Council offices in Castle House and in public libraries throughout the District.