Geothermal Regulatory Approval

Securing planning permission and regulatory approval is a critical milestone in the development of deep geothermal energy systems. These projects typically involve onshore drilling operations, construction of energy centres, and long-term integration with existing infrastructure. Each of these elements triggers a range of regulatory and statutory obligations that must be managed in a clear, well-sequenced manner.

Our Regulatory Approval Service

At Star Energy, we provide expert planning and permitting support as part of our end-to-end geothermal development service. Our experience in both geothermal and oil and gas sectors ensures that we understand the technical sensitivities of subsurface development and how they intersect with planning law, environmental regulation, and community expectations. We guide clients through the entire process, starting from pre-application engagement through to full planning submission, consultation, and discharge of conditions.

Our approach is structured, evidence-led, and built on a detailed understanding of the TCPA (Town and Country Planning Act), local plan policies, and the regulatory environment overseen by the Environment Agency, local planning authorities, and other statutory consultees.

Scope and Objectives

The objective of the regulatory approval process is to secure the necessary statutory consents for the construction and operation of a deep geothermal facility. The physical construction process includes the drilling of production and reinjection wells, installation of surface infrastructure such as pumps, heat exchangers and instrumentation, and development of the energy centre that interfaces with the site’s heat network or plant room. Our role is to provide a planning and permitting strategy that aligns with the technical requirements of the project, the local policy framework, and the programme constraints of the client in order that the proposed designs are approved for construction by planning authority and regulators. The goal is to secure all approvals for the project within a realistic timeframe while mitigating risks associated with delays, any stakeholder requirements, or consent conditions that could constrain system design or delivery.

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Site Review and Risk Assessment

Every geothermal planning project begins with a comprehensive review of the site’s context. This includes evaluating existing land use designations, mineral safeguarding areas, green belt status, proximity to ecological or heritage assets (on or under the surface), and any planning history that may affect future development. We assess potential risks related to noise, visual impact, traffic movements, groundwater and ecological sensitivity, and community concerns. If there are nearby receptors such as residential housing, schools, or protected habitats, we define appropriate survey work and propose design adjustments or mitigation strategies. Our risk-based approach ensures early identification of potential planning constraints and helps frame the application within an appropriate policy and technical context.

Pre-Application Engagement

Early engagement with planning and permitting officers is a central part of our planning approval strategy. We prepare and submit a comprehensive pre-application enquiry to both the Local Planning Authority, and the Environment Agency, outlining the scope of the proposed development and the intended route for securing consents. We use this feedback to finalise the submissions and reduce the risk of unforeseen objections during the consultation period.

In parallel, we begin consultation with the local community and relevant stakeholders to introduce the project, explain its benefits, and address common concerns such as site traffic, noise during drilling, or environmental impact.

This approach supports smoother consultation and helps build local support for the project.

Environmental and Technical Survey Coordination

As part of the planning preparation, we coordinate all technical and environmental surveys required to support the application. This typically includes baseline noise assessments, ecological appraisals, landscape and visual impact assessments, archaeological assessments, air quality screening, and ground condition reviews. Where required, we also prepare risk assessments for groundwater protection, drainage strategies, and assessments of induced seismicity. These studies are integrated into the planning application and ensure that all aspects of the project are considered in line with UK environmental planning legislation.

We ensure that survey timing is accounted for in the programme, particularly for seasonally constrained assessments such as ecological walkovers or breeding bird surveys.

Planning Application Preparation and Submission

Our planning submission process is methodical and aligned with the expectations outlined following the earlier pre-application stages. We prepare a full suite of documents, including the Planning Statement, Design and Access Statement, Location and Block Plans, Site Layout, Elevations, Equipment Specifications, and Environmental Management Plans, along with the required application forms and detailed calculations.

In cases where a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required, we include a detailed Planning Supporting Statement and Screening Report to confirm the reasoning and evidence. If EIA is triggered, we manage the scoping, coordination, and integration of all required technical chapters into a compliant Environmental Statement.

Public Consultation and Planning Determination

Following submission, we support the consultation and determination process by responding to statutory consultee queries, coordinating clarifications or amendments, and providing any supplementary information requested by the planning or regulatory authorities. Our focus is on maintaining momentum in the determination process and ensuring that the project stays on track for determination within the statutory period, or as close as reasonably possible.

 

Discharge of Conditions and Implementation Support

Once planning approval is secured, we support the discharge of pre-commencement and pre-operation conditions. This may include submission of Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP), lighting schemes, materials specifications, drainage designs, or traffic management plans. We work alongside client-side teams and contractors to ensure that development is delivered in full compliance with the planning consent and that any monitoring or reporting obligations are understood and integrated into delivery plans.

Permitting Interface

Planning approval is often granted in parallel with or contingent on environmental permits issued by the Environment Agency. These may include Groundwater Investigation Consent, abstraction and reinjection permits, discharge permits, and handling licences for naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). We coordinate the permitting schedule to align with the planning process and ensure that any interdependencies, such as borehole design or water discharge rates, are consistent across submissions. Our experience with the EA’s regulatory framework allows us to anticipate potential concerns and design submissions that are technically robust and policy-aligned.

Securing planning approval for geothermal projects requires deep technical understanding, rigorous project coordination, and proactive engagement with regulators, stakeholders and local communities. At Star Energy, we provide a complete planning and permitting service that is fully integrated with our geothermal development capability. From the earliest planning risk assessment through to the discharge of conditions, our team supports clients at every step, ensuring that geothermal systems can be delivered legally, efficiently, and with stakeholder confidence.

To discuss how we can support your geothermal planning application, contact Star Energy today.

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A depth of knowledge & experience in the Geothermal arena gives us the edge over competitors

Ross Glover, Chief Executive

Our strategy is to create value for shareholders, employees and communities by being a leading operator of oil and gas assets, renowned for operational excellence and strong safety standards.

Ross Glover, Chief Executive

Geothermal energy is an ideal solution to the urban deployment of renewable energy, geothermal energy.

Ross Glover, Chief Executive

Our Projects - Geothermal

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

The Carbon Energy Fund released a tender to select Innovation Partners to work with NHS Trusts across the UK to identify Low Carbon Heat opportunities. We were selected as preferred Partner by the CEF and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust for the Wythenshawe Hospital.

Manchester Therme Group

Feasibility work for an innovative geothermal geo-exchange solution for the Therme Wellbeing Resort in Trafford Park, Manchester. A trial borehole was drilled and thermal response testing carried out to determine the potential capacity for heat and cooling supplies to the development. This work identified that the Trafford Park area has amongst the highest capacity in the country.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

The Carbon Energy Fund released a tender to select Innovation Partners to work with NHS Trusts across the UK to identify Low Carbon Heat opportunities. We were selected as preferred Partner by the CEF and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust for the Salisbury Hospital.

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