Development

Solar Permitting and Planning Screening

Identify likely consent pathways, policy constraints, studies, stakeholders and programme risks for a solar project.

Methodology owner: SolarDev AIReviewed: 11 August 2026Validation status →

Why this workflow matters

Planning screening links jurisdiction-specific consent requirements to the actual project description, associated infrastructure and evidence programme. It should identify both formal approvals and informal stakeholder dependencies.

Questions to answer

  • Which authority and consent route apply?
  • What policy designations or thresholds are relevant?
  • Which studies and consultations are mandatory?
  • What could delay validation or determination?

Recommended workflow

  1. 1Define the complete project and jurisdiction.
  2. 2Review policy, zoning, thresholds and authority guidance.
  3. 3Map required studies, consultations and submission evidence.
  4. 4Build a permitting programme with dependencies and decision gates.

Evidence to collect

  • Current planning policy and legislation
  • Authority guidance and precedents
  • Environmental and technical study scopes
  • Stakeholder and consultation strategy

Decision-ready outputs

  • Consent-pathway memo
  • Application evidence matrix
  • Permitting programme and risk register