Publication of Guidance for Solar Farms and Archaeology
Posted: 05 October 2026
Applications for solar farms have been increasing in recent years and are set to rise in the future as the UK aspires to realise targets for renewable energy. The need for guidance has been recognised to facilitate a standard and consistent approach for archaeological assessment and mitigation. When considering solar farms, the fundamental principle of understanding potential for archaeological deposits, their significance and the impact of a proposal is the same as more traditional types of development (e.g. residential). However, solar farms do have different characteristics and some nuanced types of impact, and a more bespoke approach to archaeological assessment and mitigation is sometimes required.
This guidance has been provided to outline good practice for the consideration of archaeology in the context of solar farm development in Essex. The guidance aims to promote the best methods by which the potential and significance of archaeological deposits can be understood to facilitate an efficient and effective process for the determination of solar farm planning applications. This guidance is intended to sit below the National Good Practice Guide.