Solar opposition groups are taking action – developers need to do the same

Launching at the NSIP Forum this week, new research from SEC Newgate UK reveals a communications gap shaping public perceptions of energy projects—and the actions communities are taking in response.

As set out in the Planning Act 2008, the pre-application consultation requirements for Development Consent Orders require developers to concentrate their communications and engagement efforts on communities closest to projects, where residents are most directly impacted. However, new research by SEC Newgate UK of over 1200 residents living in areas of higher density solar development* has highlighted a significant communication gap that may be driving opposition in wider areas.

Findings indicate that 6 in 10 people living in areas with solar development have not received any communications about solar projects. Additionally, 65% of residents within approximately a 10-mile radius of solar NSIPS (proposed and in construction) have not seen any information about solar projects in their local area. This engagement gap shows that traditional consultation strategies risk missing people who feel affected by development or have maybe only heard about it from opposition groups. The study also found that 51% of residents would be open to participating in a consultation, suggesting that the main barrier is awareness and communication. 

The research also shows that opponents of solar projects are more likely to take action and are highly motivated to share their views, often mobilising support from a wider geographical area and the wider public. Project promoters therefore need to rethink their engagement strategies to reach beyond the core consultation zones and engage before pre-existing detractor campaigns, likely already operational in high-density areas, get their first. 

However, new projects can still cultivate public acceptability. The research demonstrates that communication can drive engagement: 58% of residents who receive information about solar development go on to take further action. This suggests that proactive outreach beyond the immediate consultation zone could help build knowledge, improve acceptability, and slow the momentum of opposition campaigns, many of which have a head start if other projects have already been through pre-application consultation. 

Douglas Johnson, Director of Planning and Engagement at SEC Newgate UK, commented “More people than ever feel they are experiencing infrastructure development in their area. Our 2025 NSIP research shows that communication about new development has a real impact on the way people feel about it – and what they will do about it. Even where legislation does not require it, the industry must work together to improve how people experience NSIPs if the energy transition is to enjoy continued public acceptance.”

As the UK accelerates its transition to clean power, ensuring balanced and informed discussions around clusters of energy infrastructure will be essential. A more strategic approach to public engagement, and one that looks at opportunities for broader industry coordination, will be essential to securing acceptability, and even support, for the energy transition. 

The report ‘Every, Everywhere, All at Once’ published today - is available here. For further information or to request a printed copy, please contact: Douglas Johnson, Director - Planning and Engagement douglas.johnson@secnewgate.co.uk

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* The methodology

The survey sample is made up of residents in England who are most likely to have experienced large scale solar development (i.e. ca. 10 miles within a planned or built solar farm).

Respondents were collected based on the first half of their postcode, their county and then mapped against SEC Newgate's solar development map, categorising respondents into a high, medium or low-density solar development area. 

If respondents were not in an identified area of solar development area, they were excluded from the survey