Overview
BSG Ecology were commissioned by Cenin Renewables to provide ecological and ornithological support for a proposed solar farm on upland fringe farmland at Cil-lonydd, near Newbridge, Gwent. BSG undertook all baseline survey and assessment work and provided expert witness support at the hearing. The project was approved in November 2025.
Challenge
The site is located in upland fringe pasture and comprises 11 fields. The client made an early commitment, in accordance with the step-wise approach set out in Welsh Planning Policy, to avoid impacts on field boundary features (which include mature beech trees and are the main ecological interest of the site). It followed that the scope of survey could be reduced to habitat, breeding bird and a badger survey (due to evidence of badger use of the site being recorded during an initial walkover).
This work identified that a Schedule 1 raptor bred close to the site, there were small numbers of ground-nesting birds (skylark and meadow pipit), and some of the mature trees had the potential to support roosting bats. The assessment concluded that there would be the direct loss of one skylark and one meadow pipit territory as a result of the project.
The challenge was to deliver an appropriate package of biodiversity enhancement to deliver net benefit in accordance with Planning Policy Wales 12.
Solution
A range of enhancement measures were proposed. These included restoration of hedgerow canopies and the creation of unmanaged field margins. It was also noted that in the absence of ongoing agricultural improvement measures, gradual recovery of the soil invertebrate fauna would occur. Each element of the DECCA Framework, which is critical to demonstrating increased ecological resilience, could be clearly evidenced against through the net benefit solution.
The loss of a skylark territory resulted in the Caerphilly County Borough Ecologist maintaining an objection. However, BSG argued at the hearing for the scheme that the improved foraging resource within the site post construction would help maintain local ground nesting bird populations and improve their productivity in the event there was some displacement. BSG were also able to respond to all ecological points made by local objectors.
Outcome
Approval of the scheme was granted in November 2025.
The Inspector noted, “Subject to details agreed and secured by conditions, the proposed development would generally accord with the stepwise approach set out in PPW and would result in an overall net benefit for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.”
Testimonial
“We recently worked with BSG Ecology on one of our solar farm projects in Caerphilly. They have done a fantastic job throughout all the survey work and hearings helping us achieve planning permission in 2025. We use the BSG Ecology team on multiple projects as they always bring a professional and knowledgeable approach while explaining everything in full. We would highly recommend BSG Ecology and hope to use them for a very long time.” Jessica King, Project Manager, Cenin