LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY
A full Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of the development is being prepared. The report will identify significant views, as well as enhancement areas consisting of planting trees, hedgerows and meadow grass. This will help provide screening to the site, better integrating the development into the local landscape. Solar panels are mounted low to the ground, so are much less visible over distance than wind farms or nuclear power stations. The energy storage element of co-located schemes occupy a very small area of land and are also sited to minimise any visual intrusion.
TRANSPORT AND ACCESS
A Construction Traffic Management Plan will consider traffic routing and traffic volumes to minimise impacts on the local transport network during construction and operation. This will be agreed with the local Highways Authority, a statutory consultee, prior to construction. The construction phase typically lasts approximately 12 months. There will be minimal disruption to the road network or impact on road safety.
NOISE LEVELS
A baseline noise survey has been undertaken to identify any potential sources of noise. Appropriate mitigation measures will be incorporated into the design to ensure there will be no unacceptable noise impacts on the surrounding area
ECOLOGY
We are undertaking a full ecology assessment. We will incorporate ecological improvements such as wild flowers and additional screen planting into the site, as well as retaining existing trees and hedgerows.
FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY
The development will be designed in such a way as to accommodate existing footpaths or rights of way. It would not alter the course of any public rights of way.
FLOOD RISK
Solar panel installation has minimal impact on surface water runoff, particularly where grass and vegetation are enhanced below and surrounding panels. The frames are piled directly into the ground, so there is minimal requirement to lay any concrete foundations. A Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy will be prepared along with additional precautionary measures as part of the layout.
HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY
A heritage and archaeological assessment will be completed to evaluate the impact on heritage assets such as listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, battlefields and any potential remains of archaeological interest. Appropriate mitigation proposals will be submitted with the planning application. Solar development typically has minimal impact on the ground, with panels being secured by stakes in the ground rather than concrete bases and foundations. Archaeological impact is usually therefore less than it would be for other forms of development such as housing.
GLINT AND GLARE
Solar panels are designed to absorb light. However it is possible that at limited times there will be the risk of glint and glare from the panels. This is being assessed. Typically boundary hedging addresses the risk. For context any glint and glare would be less than that reflecting from water. A number of airports have solar farms adjacent to runways. To understand this issue, a glint and glare assessment will identify any impacts on properties, roads, rail and aviation.
COAL MINING
A Coal Mining Risk Assessment is being undertaken. It considers the risk of coal mining on the overall site and will propose what further investigation may be necessary to be undertaken prior to construction, should consent be granted.
PLANNING, DESIGN
AND ACCESS STATEMENT
This assessment pulls together the findings and recommendations of the other assessments and considers them in relation to national and local planning policies.