Fast-track consent for solar farm near Marton

Simon Berry chaired an expert consenting panel (ECP) convened under the Covid-19 (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 which granted the resource consents needed by Harmony Energy Limited to establish and operate a solar farm on 120 hectares of farmland near Marton.

The Panel also comprised planning consultant, Andrew Bashford, and planning and iwi consultant, Siani Walker. Our solicitor, Adelaide Osborn, was appointed by the Environmental Protection Authority as a scribe and played a significant role in putting together what transpired to be a complex 110-page decision report.

On being involved in the fast-track process, Adelaide said, “It was a pleasure to have been appointed to assist the ECP in drafting the Marton solar farm decision report. The Panel dealt with several unique and technical issues, and I enjoyed the opportunity to work and learn alongside them.”

The solar farm will generate 73.5 megawatts of electricity from 165,000 monocrystalline solar panels  - enough to supply electricity to around 15,000 homes. A significant amount of battery storage is also to be provided.

The key issues in contention related to the impact of the expected proliferation of solar farms in the surrounding area on neighbouring property owners and occupiers, landscape and visual effects, construction effects, and the provision of battery storage.

The Panel made findings that any potential adverse effects can adequately be addressed and that the grant of consent serves the dual purposes of both the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Fast Track legislation, and will make a substantial contribution to New Zealand's renewable energy goals.

“This my second time chairing an ECP in relation to a solar farm”, says Simon Berry. “It is gratifying to be close to the action in this developing area of renewable energy generation. It is interesting to note that a key concern of locals in the vicinity of the proposed farm is the proliferation of solar farms in the area. On the evidence, we were able to make a finding that this farm would not create the ‘tipping point’ in this area.”