Proposals

Project details

The proposals comprise a solar farm and energy storage facility covering approximately 71 hectares on land to the north and south of the A428. The site will connect to the Distribution Network via an existing overhead line.

There will also be ancillary infrastructure and equipment that includes battery energy storage, internal access tracks, security measures, landscaping, and biodiversity enhancements.

The specific infrastructure proposed comprises:

» An array of solar photovoltaic panels, with each panel mounted on a metal frame up to 3 metres in height above ground level

» Gravel access roads

» Security fencing

» Electrical equipment including inverters and transformers

» An electrical substation and compound

» Associated equipment and storage for monitoring and communication equipment

» Landscaping and hedgerows for visual screening

» Enhanced biodiversity including foraging habitat

Construction

A typical construction period for a solar farm this size is between 6-8 months. As part of our planning application we will submit a detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) which will include details of construction traffic routes and managing construction traffic.

Detailed plans will be submitted which will show that all construction vehicles can leave and enter safely in a forward gear, with appropriate visibility for other A428 road users.

The CTMP will also include details on:

  • Measures to protect the safety and amenity for local road users.

  • Suitable construction routes. The current preferred route is for construction traffic to access the site via the A1 and A428, avoiding local and rural roads.

  • Restrictions on delivery times to avoid peak times and congestion.

  • Wheel washing facilities to ensure that no mud is tracked on to local roads.

  • Requirements for a pre-construction visual condition survey which would include making good of any excess wear and tear, or damage to verges caused by construction traffic.

  • The number of vehicles accessing the site each day. It is currently expected that for a 6 month construction programme there will be up to 6-8 lorries/heavy goods vehicles accessing the site on an average day.