Supporting the expansion of Coventry’s heat network
TNEI has successfully secured planning permission for the expansion of Coventry’s heat network, marking a significant milestone for the company’s growing work in low carbon energy infrastructure. The project demonstrates TNEI’s ability to support complex energy infrastructure projects through the planning process.
Working on behalf of Coventry District Energy Company Limited, TNEI supported a planning application to install seven new connections to the city’s existing heat network, linking a range of community facilities across the Hillfields area, including schools and healthcare buildings.
The expanded network will provide these buildings with access to lower-carbon heat through Coventry’s established district heating system. Operated by Bring Energy, the network uses heat recovered from the city’s Energy from Waste facility, helping to reduce carbon emissions and support Coventry’s journey towards greener energy.
The project presented a unique planning challenge. The proposed development is located within a densely developed urban environment, with connection routes passing through pavements, local roads, car parks, school grounds and alleyways.
To support the application, TNEI coordinated a range of planning reports and technical assessments, including:
- Planning Design and Access Statement
- Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan
- Location and site layout plans
- Engineering drawings for the under and above ground infrastructure
- Elevation drawings and visualisations
- Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
- Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment
- Heritage Statement
- Arboricultural Impact Assessment
- Unexploded ordinance (UXO) Assessment
The project involved navigating several environmental and planning constraints associated with delivering infrastructure in a developed urban environment. Sections of the proposed pipework passed through archaeological constraint areas, requiring detailed assessment of potential impacts on Coventry’s historic environment.
The team also addressed biodiversity requirements despite the challenges of delivering measurable habitat enhancements within a predominantly hard-surfaced urban setting. Additionally, arboricultural assessments were undertaken to ensure trenching and above-ground infrastructure avoided impacts on existing trees and root protection areas.
Given Coventry’s wartime history, UXO considerations were also assessed as part of the planning process. Through close coordination with specialist consultants and Coventry City Council, the project team demonstrated that environmental impacts could be appropriately managed, helping secure planning consent with no objections.
"We’re pleased with this successful outcome which demonstrates TNEI's ability to coordinate multidisciplinary planning inputs and deliver positive outcomes for clients developing low carbon energy infrastructure."
TNEI has since submitted a further planning application to support the continued expansion of the heat network, which is currently under consideration.
