THE BRIEF

Supporting stakeholder and community engagement for a solar and battery storage development.

Grupotec and REG Power Management appointed Orbit Communications to support stakeholder and community engagement for Challoch Solar Park, north-west of Newton Stewart.

The project comprises a 20MWp solar farm and 6MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), with the solar element capable of generating electricity equivalent to the demand of around 5,900 average homes.

We supported an engagement programme to communicate the proposals, gather feedback, and build constructive relationships throughout the planning process.

Our Approach

  • Supported a coordinated stakeholder and community engagement programme.
  • Engaged residents, elected representatives, community organisations, and other key stakeholders.
  • Supported the organisation and delivery of two public consultation events.
  • Developed clear communications explaining the proposals and their renewable energy and local benefits.
  • Developed a project website, with recurring updates and FAQs for those who registered for further information.
  • Mapped support/objections to coordinate and refute the utilisation of large-scale AI round-robin objection letters.
  • Helped ensure consultation feedback was considered as the proposals developed.
  • Promoted the proposed Community Benefit Fund of up to £500 per MW per annum, approximately £10,000 annually for local projects.

Outputs & Outcomes

  • Delivered two rounds of public consultation, enabling local communities to engage directly with the project team.
  • Maintained constructive engagement with communities, elected representatives and other stakeholders throughout the planning process.
  • Established clear channels for questions and feedback as the proposals progressed.
  • Communicated the benefits of 20MWp of solar generation and 6MW of battery storage.
  • Highlighted approximately £400,000 in potential community benefit funding over the project’s 40-year lifetime.
  • Planning permission granted by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Planning Committee, subject to conditions and conclusion of a legal agreement.