NEWS

Some of the latest updates from the Renewable, Telecommunications and Commercial Sectors:-

Code Powers

Impact of the Electronic Communications Code on Mobile Base Station Site Provides - it gives telecoms operators statutory rights to install, upgrade, and share existing infrastructure. Existing site providers will see reduced rents as the sites are valued on 'existing use' not operator benefit. More upgrade and sharing rights without consent. New site providers will see much less rent offered and operators acquiring rights through tribunals if no agreement is reached. Get specialist advice before interacting with the operator's agent. See the Electronic Communications Code (Digital Economy Act 2017, Schedule 3A).

Solar Farms

There is clear intent from the government to push big solar deployment which increases the opportunity to host solar farms. The move to longer Contracts for Difference contract terms and a wider commissioning window suggests the government sees solar as more of a mature technology with less risk and is seeking to reduce costs. However, grid constraints, timing and land-use issues remain. Extended contract lengths improve the financing case, but policy risks remain (eg. how the wider electricity market reforms play out with solar/renewables). Also, large-scale projects will increasingly need to incorporate storage or grid flexibility.

Green Subsidies

The scale of green subsidies is large and growing. The UK is investing heavily to meet its net-zero and decarbonisation targets. For developers, investors and landowners in green sectors (renewables, energy storage, hydrogen) means opportunity, but also competition and policy risk (eg. subsidy design, grid delay, eligibility). For policy it must ensure balance between subsidy support with cost-control, ensuring subsidies achieve value for money, delivering infrastructure (like grid connections) to make investment workable.

On-shore Wind

Although planning rules are being relaxed, the 100 MW+ threshold for NSIP (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects - consents at a national level rather that at local planning level) means many smaller on-shore wind projects will still follow local planning routes. The requirement to deliver 27-29 GW by 2030 is ambitious relative to recent deployment rates. Industry commentary notes that in regions such as Scotland there are concerns about what will happen post-2030 in terms of growth.

New Data Centre

The UK's booming data-centre sector faces several key challenges despite strong government support. Energy supply and grid-connection delays are major bottlenecks, as data centres require vast and reliable power. Sustainability pressures are growing too, with scrutiny on carbon emissions, water use, and waste-heat recovery. While planning policy has become more favourable nationally, local communities remain concerned about land use, noise, and environmental impacts. Finally, the rapid scale of AI-driven demand risks outpacing the country's existing infrastructure and regulatory capacity, making co-ordinated planning and energy investment critical.

Supermarket Expansion

Aldi - has committed to investing £1.6 billion over the next two years (2026-27) to open approximately 80 new stores across the UK, with a long-term target of reaching 1,500 stores.

Morrisons - will expand its "Morrisons Daily" model with around 250 new corner-shop conversions in 2026.

Sainsbury's plans to add around 20 new supermarkets in 2026.

Contact Details

Telephone: 07719 474 602

E-mail: info@pintailestates.co.uk

Address: 86 Abbey Street, Accrington, BB5 1EE

Complete the Webform & Send

There was an error submitting your message. Please try again.

Thank you! We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Data Protection

We take your privacy seriously. Any information you provide will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and our company policies. Your details will only be used to respond to enquiries and will not be shared with third parties without your consent.