Given the impact solar farm developments may have on the local and wider environment, including the health and wellbeing of individuals, proposals for solar farms with a site area of 1 hectare or above and all Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) schemes should conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA). Any HIA should be consistent with the requirements outlined in the current Essex Design Guide and the Essex Planning Officers Association (EPOA) document `Essex Healthy Places - Advice notes for planners, developers and designers'. This will allow for consideration of potential adverse impacts on health and their mitigation, but also to identify potential unintended consequences and allow for consideration into how to maximise health and wellbeing benefits through the development. A proportionate approach will be taken as to the required type and subject focus of HIA (e.g. desktop, rapid, full/comprehensive) [22] determined through a screening and scoping process which will be assessed on a case by case basis; Consequently, a full HIA will not be required for all proposals arising that meet the 1-hectare threshold.

[22] Health Impact Assessments | Essex Design Guide