Environment

Improving the biodiversity of the land

There is potential to enhance the biodiversity of the site, by giving the land a break from intensive farming (instead, the land may be grazed by sheep), sowing wildflowers and encouraging insects and birds. Any gaps in hedgerows will be infilled with additional planting, providing the opportunity to strengthen existing habitats.

It might also be possible to have beehives on site, for producing honey. We’re interested to hear from any local groups who would like to share ideas or get involved with improving the biodiversity of the solar farm site.

Local wildlife

Phase 1 Habitat Surveys have shown that the hedgerows around the site provide pathways for a number of species and also offer nesting habitat for bird or roosting habitat for bats. Therefore, existing access points into the site will be used to avoid disturbing any hedgerows/trees. We will look at how the solar farm proposal can enhance habitats for the species on site by improving biodiversity.

Considering flood risk

The majority of the site is located in Flood Zone 1, so no additional flood risk is expected from the development of the solar farm. A small part of the site is located within Flood Zone 2 and therefore a Flood Risk Assessment will be submitted with the planning application.

Assessing potential noise

There is some noise during the day from the electrical components, and these are located within the central areas of the solar farm wherever possible. Noise at the perimeter of the site should be hidden by background noise. A Noise Assessment will be submitted with the planning application.

Archaeology

A desktop archaeological assessment has been completed together with a geophysical survey. Both studies have confirmed there are no archaeological interests on the site.

Managing the construction process

The nature, timings and duration of the construction process would be agreed in advance with the Council, aiming to keep disturbance to a minimum. We will also agree a Traffic and Access plan with the Council’s highways department and planning officers to keep any temporary disruption to main roads around the site to a minimum. Once the solar farm is operational, there would be no traffic associated with it other than the small vehicles/vans that are usually required for normal maintenance, typically undertaking visits once or twice a month.