Solar parks generate a great deal of energy, but they also have a significant impact on the landscape, the natural environment, agriculture and the people living in the area. To ensure the development of solar parks is managed effectively, the local authority sets out conditions in its solar park policy.
Assessment framework for solar parks
During the period 2017–2018, several pilot projects involving solar parks were carried out. A great deal was learnt from these. These lessons have been incorporated into the Assessment framework for solar parks (PDF, 4.4 MB)
What is the Solar Park Assessment Framework?
The Solar Park Assessment Framework is a document setting out the conditions that the development of solar parks must meet. Examples include the requirement to ensure that solar parks blend in well with the landscape and the requirement that local residents must be given the opportunity to benefit financially from the development of solar parks in their area.
The Solar Park Assessment Framework also identifies the areas in Apeldoorn where the development of solar parks is a viable option, provided that certain conditions are met.
Public consultation
On 16 January 2020, the municipal council adopted this Solar Park Assessment Framework. Prior to this, the draft of this Solar Park Assessment Framework had been made available for public inspection. All public consultation responses received by the council during that consultation period, together with the council’s responses to them, can be found in anonymised form in the Consultation Report.
Key points of the assessment framework
The ‘Assessment Framework’ concept was developed on the basis of lessons learnt from the 2017–2018 solar park pilot schemes. The key points of the Solar Park Assessment Framework are:
Priority for solar panels on roofs and in built-up areas
As a local authority, we want to avoid unnecessary use of space for solar energy generation. Solar panels on roofs and in built-up areas take precedence over solar parks in rural areas.
‘Priority‘ does not mean that we first cover every roof in Apeldoorn with solar panels and only then build solar parks. This is because most roofs are privately owned and the council cannot make decisions about them. It would then take too long to generate enough sustainable solar energy.’.
It does mean, however, that the council only permits a limited number of solar parks, namely to generate that portion of solar energy which we cannot generate using solar panels on rooftops and in built-up areas. We have calculated how many solar panels could be installed on rooftops and in built-up areas in Apeldoorn. That is not enough to generate sufficient sustainable solar energy. We therefore also need solar parks, but not an unnecessarily large number of them. In implementing its policy, the council is aiming for the right mix of solar panels, solar parks, wind energy and other renewable energy sources.
Blends in well with the landscape
The assessment framework also sets out requirements for effective integration into the landscape. It is based on three types of design guidelines for solar parks:
- rules governing the layout of the solar park itself
- guidelines for integration into the immediate surroundings
- guidelines for integration into the surrounding landscape
These design guidelines vary according to the different types of landscape found in Apeldoorn, such as farmland, country estates, woodland and heathland, and so on. At the same time, the design process remains bespoke: the project initiator (the developer of a solar park) will need to adapt their plans to the specific requirements of that location, in consultation with local residents and the local authority.
Residents’ participation and sharing in the benefits
The council expects project proposers to engage in dialogue with local residents at an early stage. Residents must be able to have a say and also be given the opportunity to benefit financially from solar park projects, if they so wish. Before a solar park can be built, project initiators must report to the municipal council on how they have organised communication and participation with residents and what results this has yielded.
Frequently asked questions
Based on this assessment framework, new initiatives were submitted in 2020. The assessment framework was evaluated in 2021. Link”: PMA Agenda, 15 April 2021. The Assessment Framework will be revised on the basis of this evaluation. The main recommendations for changes are:
- As a local authority, focus more on opportunities for local residents to get involved;
- Stricter rules to take account of the interests of nature conservation, the countryside and agriculture;
- Make an area-wide plan mandatory where there are several solar farm initiatives taking place simultaneously in a single area.
- From now on, agricultural interests should be given greater weight when assessing solar park initiatives.
The review of the Assessment Framework began after the summer of 2021.
In October 2023, the central government and the provincial authorities imposed new restrictions on the construction of solar parks in rural areas. Solar parks for which planning permission has already been granted may still go ahead. What are the consequences of the stricter rules for the plans in Beemte Broekland and near Klarenbeek It is not yet clear. The council is seeking further clarification on this matter from central government and the provincial authorities. More information is likely to be available in early 2024. By then, the council, residents and other stakeholders will have a clearer idea of where they stand.
On 16 January 2020, the municipal council adopted this Solar Park Assessment Framework. Prior to this, the draft of this Solar Park Assessment Framework was made available for public inspection. This draft Assessment Framework was drawn up on the basis of lessons learnt from the 2017–2018 solar park pilot schemes. All public consultation responses received by the council during that consultation period, together with the council’s responses to them, can be found in anonymised form in the Consultation Report.
More information
Do you have any questions about the Assessment Framework, or would you like further information? If so, please get in touch with us.
Email: zonneparken@apeldoorn.nl.