Planning, Design and Access Statement - Sandon Brook Solar Farm Low Carbon February 2021 - Amazon AWS
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Planning, Design and Access Statement Sandon Brook Solar Farm Low Carbon February 2021
Planning, Design and Access Statement
Sandon Brook Solar Farm
Quality information
Prepared by Checked by Verified by Approved by
Jessica Cooke Jonny Hill Tom Smith Jonny Hill,
Graduate Planner Associate, Planning Director, Planning Associate Planning
Revision History
Revision Revision date Details Authorized Name Position
0.1 02/02/21 Draft JH Jonny Hill Associate,
Planning
0.2 03/02/21 Draft JH Jonny Hill Associate,
Planning
0.3 08/02/21 Draft JH Jonny Hill Associate,
Planning
0.4 08/02/21 Draft JH Jonny Hill Associate,
Planning
1 19/02/21 Final JH Jonny Hill Associate,
Planning
Prepared for: Low Carbon Solar Park 5 Limited AECOM
Planning, Design and Access Statement Sandon Brook Solar Farm Prepared for: Low Carbon Solar Park 5 Limited Second Floor 13 Berkeley Street London W1J 8DU +44 (0)20 7409 0700 +44 (0)20 7409 1511 enquiries@lowcarbon.com lowcarbon.com Prepared by: Jessica Cooke Graduate Planner AECOM Limited Aldgate Tower 2 Leman Street London E1 8FA United Kingdom aecom.com © 2021 AECOM Limited. All Rights Reserved. This document has been prepared by AECOM Limited (“AECOM”) for sole use of our client (the “Client”) in accordance with generally accepted consultancy principles, the budget for fees and the terms of reference agreed between AECOM and the Client. Any information provided by third parties and referred to herein has not been checked or verified by AECOM, unless otherwise expressly stated in the document. No third party may rely upon this document without the prior and express written agreement of AECOM. Prepared for: Low Carbon Solar Park 5 Limited AECOM
Planning, Design and Access Statement Sandon Brook Solar Farm Table of Contents 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 7 Background and Context......................................................................................................................................... 7 Pre-application Consultation ................................................................................................................................... 8 Environmental Impact Assessment ......................................................................................................................... 8 Planning Application Submission Documents ......................................................................................................... 8 Report Structure ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 2. Site and Surroundings ....................................................................................11 3. Planning History ............................................................................................ 14 4. The Proposed Development .......................................................................... 16 Solar Panels .......................................................................................................................................................... 18 Inverters ................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Substation Compound........................................................................................................................................... 19 Cabling and Grid Connection ................................................................................................................................ 19 Security ................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Construction .......................................................................................................................................................... 21 Operation .............................................................................................................................................................. 21 Decommissioning .................................................................................................................................................. 22 5. Site Selection................................................................................................. 23 Grid Capacity and Connection .............................................................................................................................. 23 Land Availability and Constraints .......................................................................................................................... 23 6. Design ........................................................................................................... 25 Design Approach ................................................................................................................................................... 25 Design Evolution ................................................................................................................................................... 25 Design through Consultation ................................................................................................................................. 26 Use........................................................................................................................................................................ 26 Layout ................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Design Flexibility ................................................................................................................................................... 27 Scale ..................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Noise ..................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Appearance ........................................................................................................................................................... 28 Access .................................................................................................................................................................. 28 Landscaping and Biodiversity ............................................................................................................................... 29 7. Planning Policy .............................................................................................. 30 The Development Plan.......................................................................................................................................... 30 Material Planning Considerations.......................................................................................................................... 32 Energy Legislation and Policy Framework ............................................................................................................ 33 8. Planning Assessment .................................................................................... 35 Principle of Development ...................................................................................................................................... 35 Agricultural Land ................................................................................................................................................... 35 Green Belt ............................................................................................................................................................. 35 Landscape and Visual .......................................................................................................................................... 38 Access, Traffic and Transport ................................................................................................................................ 39 Cultural Heritage ................................................................................................................................................... 40 Natural Environment ............................................................................................................................................. 41 Flood Risk and Drainage....................................................................................................................................... 42 9. Conclusions and Planning Balance ............................................................... 43 Prepared for: Low Carbon Solar Park 5 Limited AECOM
Planning, Design and Access Statement Sandon Brook Solar Farm Figures Figure 2-1 Sandon Brook Site Location Plan ........................................................................................................ 13 Figure 4-1 Sandon Brook Indicative Site Layout ................................................................................................... 17 Figure 4-2 Example row of solar panels ................................................................................................................ 18 Figure 4-3 Example cabin ..................................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 4-4 Example substation compound ............................................................................................................ 19 Figure 4-5 Example POC mast (on the left) .......................................................................................................... 20 Figure 4-6 Example fencing and CCTV camera .................................................................................................... 21 Figure 5-1 Sandon Brook Search Area and Constraints ....................................................................................... 24 Tables Table 1-1 Application Documents List ..................................................................................................................... 8 Table 1-2 Application Drawing Schedule ................................................................................................................. 9 Prepared for: Low Carbon Solar Park 5 Limited AECOM
Planning, Design and Access Statement Sandon Brook Solar Farm Abbreviations AC Alternating Current CCC Chelmsford City Counil CIL Community Infrastrucxture Levy CLP Chelmsford Local Plan DC Direct Current DNO Development Network Operator EIA Environmental Impact Assessment FRA Flood Risk Assessment ha Hectares HDD Horizonal Directional Drilling HVAC Heating, Venting and Cooling km Kilometre LVIA Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment m Metre MW Megawatts NPPF National Planning Policy Framework NPS National Policy Statements NSIP Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects PDAS Planning, Design and Access Statement POC Point of Connection PV Photovoltaic Prepared for: Low Carbon Solar Park 5 Limited AECOM
Planning, Design and Access Statement
Sandon Brook Solar Farm
1. Introduction
1.1 This Planning Design and Access Statement has been prepared in support of an
application for full planning permission submitted to Chelmsford City Council (the
‘Council’) under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended)
on behalf Low Carbon Solar Park 5 Limited (the ‘Applicant’), which is a special purpose
vehicle (‘SPV’) owned by Low Carbon UK Solar Investment Company Limited (‘Low
Carbon’).
1.2 The proposal comprises the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic (‘PV’)
farm, battery storage facility and associated infrastructure. The proposal is referred to
collectively as the ‘Proposed Development’ and the project is known as ‘Sandon Brook
Solar Farm’.
1.3 The proposed Site (hereafter referred to as the ‘Site’) measures approximately 86.75
hectares (‘ha’) and comprises agricultural land near Church Road, West Hanningfield,
Chelmsford, CM2 8UJ.
Background and Context
1.4 The UK Government has committed to meeting a legally binding target of net-zero
carbon emissions by 2050. This requires major investment in proven technologies, such
as solar and battery storage, which are supported by planning policy at local and national
level.
1.5 Low Carbon’s goal is to help with the shift to a genuinely low carbon future with
environmental stewardship and collaboration with local communities at the heart of its
approach. It is committed to making a positive and significant impact on the causes of
climate change and to achieving biodiversity net gain and environmental improvements.
1.6 Low Carbon is a British-owned investment and asset management company. It has
successfully developed over 322 megawatts (MW) of UK Solar projects and currently
manages in excess of 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy assets across more than
100 sites in the UK, with the potential to power almost 660,000 homes with clean energy
and save in excess of 440,00 tons of carbon dioxide each year.
1.7 Low Carbon is proud to be a Certified B Corporation™. As a B Corporation, it is part of
a community of more than 250 businesses in the UK that uses the power of business to
build a more inclusive and sustainable economy, with each member meeting the highest
verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and
accountability.
1.8 Chelmsford City Council declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in July 2019,
this declaration represents a commitment to take appropriate action to make the
Council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2030. The Council committed to achieving 100%
low carbon energy across the Council’s full range of functions by 2030. The Council
published an initial action plan in January 2020 on how they plan to tackle it.
1.9 However, even given this commitment, there is only one operational renewable energy
facility (with a capacity of over 150 KW) within the Chelmsford City authority area and
there has been no new renewable energy projects permitted since 1995 as of
September 2020 1. The Proposed Development would therefore make a positive
1
As shown in the Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD) September 2020. Available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewable-energy-planning-database-monthly-extract
Prepared for: Low Carbon Solar Park 5 Limited AECOM
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Planning, Design and Access Statement
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contribution to reducing carbon emissions and help the Council contribute to sources of
renewable energy.
Pre-application Consultation
1.10 The Applicant has carried out a comprehensive and meaningful pre-application
consultation exercise in respect of the Proposed Development, primarily focused on the
local community, but also including consultation with the Council and other key
consultees.
1.11 A total of 74 comments were received during the consultation. 90% of respondents
either strongly agreed or agreed that climate change is an issue which should be
addressed; while solar PV (ground mounted) was the most favourable technology choice
to generate electricity. The preferred initiative as part of the proposal was for new habitat
for wildlife.
1.12 Overall, the summary confirms that 39% of responses were positive or mostly positive,
with a further 15% of responses being neutral. 46% of overall responses were negative
or mostly negative. The majority of comments received were in relation to local ecology
and bird life, visual impact, traffic and construction and archaeology and local heritage.
1.13 The comments received as a result of the consultation, alongside further site
investigations, have helped to shape the application and supporting information in
response to local views. The detailed design evolution, including the amendment to the
proposal as a result of the consultation are set out in Section 6.
1.14 For further information, please refer to the Statement of Community Involvement that is
submitted as part of this application.
Environmental Impact Assessment
1.15 An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Request was submitted on the
5th September 2020, and Chelmsford City Council issued a Screening Opinion in
October 2020. The Screening Opinion considers that the proposal would not have
significant environmental impacts, and that any impacts would be more localised to the
Site. As a result, the Local Planning Authority confirmed that an EIA is not required.
Planning Application Submission Documents
1.16 The planning application comprises the following documents:
Table 1-1 Application Documents List
Document title Document Status
Completed planning application form and relevant For Approval
notices
Completed Ownership Certificates
CIL Form For Approval
Application Cover Letter Supporting Document
Planning, Design and Access Statement Supporting Document
Statement of Community Involvement Supporting Document
Cultural Heritage Assessment Supporting Document
Ecological Assessment Supporting Document
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Supporting Document
Agricultural Land Classification Assessment Supporting Document
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Document title Document Status
Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy Supporting Document
Transport Statement Supporting Document
Arboricultural Impact Assessment Supporting Document
Glint and Glare Study Supporting Document
1.17 Below is a schedule of application drawings that form part of the planning application:
Table 1-2 Application Drawing Schedule
Drawing No. Title Status
LCS039-SP-01_rev02 Site Location Plan For Approval
LCS039-PLE-01_rev12 Indicative Site Layout Plan For Approval
LCS039-DZ-01_rev10 Zoning Layout Plan For Approval
SD-11 Panel Cross Section For Approval
SD-23_rev01 Point of Connection Mast For Approval
Compound Plans/Elevations
SD-21_rev01 Battery Container Plans/Elevations For Approval
LCS-SD-01_rev02 DNO Substation Elevations and For Approval
Dimensions Plan
LCS-SD-02_rev02 Customer Substation Elevations For Approval
and Dimensions Plan
LCS-SD-03_rev01 CCTV and Light Post Detail For Approval
LCS-SD-04_rev1 Stock Fence and CCTV Elevation For Approval
LCS-SD-08_rev02 Inverter Elevations and Dimensions For Approval
Plan
LCS-SD-14_rev01 DNO Substation Floor Plan For Approval
LCS-SD-15_rev01 Customer Substation Floor Plan For Approval
LCS-SD-16_rev01 Inverter Floor Plan For Approval
SD-25_rev01 Meter Kiosk For Approval
Report Structure
1.18 This Planning, Design and Access Statement is structured as follows:
• Section 2 describes the application Site and surrounding context.;
• Section 3 summarises relevant planning history;
• Section 4 sets out a detailed description of the Proposed Development;
• Section 5 outlines the Site selection process;
• Section 6 describes the design evolution process;
• Section 7 provides a summary of the relevant planning policy;
• Section 8 considers the planning merits of the proposals having regard to planning
policy and other guidance; and
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• Section 9 sets out the summary and conclusions of this Statement.
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2. Site and Surroundings
2.1 The Site is 86.75 ha and comprises agricultural land near Church Road, West
Hanningfield, Chelmsford, CM2 8UJ. It is located approximately 2 kilometres (km) to
the south east of the village of West Hanningfield, approximately 3 km south west of
East Hanningfield and approximately 1.2 km north of South Hanningfield.
2.2 Beyond the immediate context, Chelmsford is located approximately 8 km north of the
Site and Basildon approximately 10 km south.
2.3 The Site is split into four parcels of land, the majority of the land is to the west of the
A130 comprising a patchwork of fields and a single small field the east of the A130.
2.4 The eastern Site is bounded by mature trees and hedgerows. The western Site is more
open, particularly its boundary with the A130; however, long distance views are broken
up by frequent banks of woodland and boundary hedges. The A130 sits below the Site,
thus eradicating any significant views for road users.
2.5 The Site lies within a predominately agricultural landscape, with a mixture of arable and
pastural uses and is bordered by areas of agricultural land to the north, east and south
with Hanningfield Reservoir and associated treatment works to the west.
2.6 Residential receptors are confined to isolated farmhouses and a small collection of
houses, located approximately 200 metres (m) south east from the Site boundary. There
is a small light industrial site, Moorland Industrial Estate, approximately 400 m south of
the Site.
2.7 The Site comprises mostly Grade 3b moderate quality agricultural land with a small
section of Grade 3a good quality agricultural land on the eastern parcel of land. As a
while the Site is farmed as a unit of Grade 3b land and is classed as such for the
purposes of this planning application.
2.8 The Site is not situated within or near a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB). The Site is located within the Metropolitan Green Belt Area. The Green Belt in
Chelmsford covers almost 34% of the land to the south and west of the administrative
area.
2.9 The Site is located within the proposed Chelmsford North East Bypass Safeguarded
Area, a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone and a Wild Bird General Licence Exclusion Zone. The
Hanningfield Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located approximately
500 m west of the Site boundary. The closest European Designated site is Crouch &
Roach Estuary Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) located 5 km south east of the Site.
2.10 The Site is wholly located within Flood Zone 1. There is an ordinary watercourse that
runs through the Site.
2.11 There are a number of Public Right of Way (PROW) running across the Site (PROW
218_12, PROW 236_36 and PROW 218_15), as well as network of public footpaths
beyond the confines of the Site boundary, with multiple footpaths existing within the
Site’s immediate context.
2.12 Due to the existing layout of the Site and the physical boundaries between land parcels,
three primary points of access are proposed to the Site, in conjunction with a secondary
access to the northern land parcel, a secondary access to the south-western land parcel,
and another access to facilitate the Point of Connection (POC). The proposed primary
site access will be provided from Canon Barns Road with secondary (backup) access
proposed from Church Road.
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2.13 There are no statutory listed heritage assets within the Site boundary. However, there
are a number of Grade II and Grade II* Listed structures adjacent to the Site boundaries,
including Grade II* Listed Church of St Peter and Grade II* Listed Church of St Mary
and St Edward. There is one Scheduled Monument within the local area, ‘Chitham’s
Farm moated site’, located approximately 0.8 km from the Site. There are no World
Heritage Sites situated within the parcel of land or its surrounds and the nearest
Conservation Area is at Stock, approximately 4.5 km from the Site boundary.
2.14 The Sandon Brook Site Location Plan (Reference: LCS039-SP-01_rev02) is shown in
Figure 2-1 below.
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Figure 2-1 Sandon Brook Site Location Plan
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3. Planning History
3.1 Given the agricultural use of the Site there is no recent or relevant planning history within
the Site boundary.
3.2 There are, however, a number of ground mounted solar farms either proposed or
operational, located surrounding area, including sites located in the Green Belt, as
follows:
• An EIA Screening Opinion (ref.20/01450/EIASO), located adjacent to the eastern
parcel of the Sandon Brook Site, was submitted to Chelmsford City Council for solar
arrays at Land East of A130 South Of Canon Barns Road East Hanningfield
Chelmsford Essex, that would generate 9.2 MW of renewable energy, with the
majority of this supplying Hanningfield Water Treatment Works. A decision was
issued on the 29/10/2020 that it does not constitute EIA development.
• An EIA Screening Opinion (ref.20/01501/EIASO), located approximately 1.5 km
north west of the Sandon Brook Site, was submitted to Chelmsford City Council for
solar arrays, at Land West of Hill Farm Pan Lane East Hanningfield Chelmsford
Essex. A decision was issued on the 10/12/2020 that it does not constitute EIA
development.
• A planning application (Ref 21/00081/FUL), located approximately 5.6 km north west
of the Sandon Brook Site, was submitted to Chelmsford City Council for a solar farm,
at Land East of St Cleres Hall Pit Main Road Danbury Chelmsford, which would
generate 22.5 MW of renewable energy. A decision was issued on 18/09/2020 that it
does not constitute EIA development, the full planning application is currently being
determined.
• Planning Application Ref.14/00948/FULL for the Outwood Solar Farm, located
approximately 7 km south west of the Sandon Brook site. This scheme was approved
by Basildon Borough Council in August 2014, and has since been constructed. This
site is also located in the Metropolitan Green Belt. The decision notice attached a
number of conditions to the site to minimise the impact and retain the openness of
the Green Belt mostly referring to fencing.
3.3 It is notable in the application provided above (Ref.14/00948/FULL for the Outwood
Solar Farm), that the Officer considered the conditions applied to the development to be
adequate in reducing harm to the Green Belt as well as meeting the very special
circumstances.
3.4 This approach constitutes a balancing exercise of weighing the harm to the Green Belt,
as well as other identified harm, against the benefits of the scheme.
3.5 This approach has been repeated in a number of other applications and appeal
decisions for solar farms located in the Green Belt throughout the country. Of particular
relevance is Planning Appeal Ref. APP/C1950/W/19/3225810 in Hertfordshire in which
the Inspector stated:
• The harm to the character and appearance is outweighed by the fact that it is a
temporary and reversible development;
• The scheme would make a valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gas
emissions which provides wider environmental benefits through the increased
production of energy from renewable resources; and
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• The location of the array within a hollow, together with the proposed landscaping,
results in the location where the impacts can be made acceptable.
3.6 The appeal concluded that ”the environmental benefits of the proposal and the fact that
the impacts can be made acceptable, are sufficient to outweigh the harm to the Green
Belt. Consequently, the very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal do
exist”.
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4. The Proposed Development
4.1 The Proposed Development responds to the Government’s support for solar energy by
providing a renewable energy supply that would reduce carbon emissions and assist in
establishing a greater diversity of energy sources in the UK.
4.2 The Proposed Development would consist of ground-mounted solar PV panels and
associated infrastructure. The proposal includes the provision of on-site battery storage
facilities to provide ancillary services to the operation of the proposed solar farm. The
proposal consists of the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of
the solar farm. The solar panels would generate up to 49.9 MW, enough to power
approximately 16,581 homes and an anticipated CO2 displacement of around 11,210
tonnes per annum.
4.3 The electricity produced by this solar farm would be exported to the distribution network
operator (maintained by UK Power Networks) via underground cables.
4.4 It would include the following equipment:
• Rows of solar PV panels;
• Battery Storage Facility;
• Approximately 20 inverters within containers;
• One Point of Connection (POC) mast of up to 35m in height;
• Distribution Network Operator (DNO) Substation, access and cable connection to
POC mast to connect to 132 kV power line;
• Customer Substation/Switchgear and Meter Kiosk;
• Internal buried cabling;
• Internal access tracks;
• Security fence and security gate; and
• CCTV cameras.
4.5 This is considered the minimum level of development required to ensure the Site
performs effectively in generating and storing electricity.
4.6 In addition to this essential infrastructure, there would be provision of planting and
landscaping to assimilate the Proposed Development into the wider landscape.
4.7 The Indicative Site Layout Plan (Reference: LCS039-PLE-01_rev12) illustrates the
proposed layout, shown in Figure 4-1 below.
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Figure 4-1 Sandon Brook Indicative Site Layout
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Solar Panels
4.8 The solar arrays would be set within the gently undulating landform with partial enclosure
provided by the framework of hedgerows and small blocks of woodland or spinneys.
4.9 The panels would be laid out in straight arrays set at an angle of between 10 to 35
degrees from east to west across the field enclosures. The distance between the arrays
would typically be between 3-6 m. The top northern edges of the panels would be 2.8 m
above ground level and the south lower edges of the panels would be no less than 0.9
m above ground level. The arrays would be static.
4.10 The metal framework that houses the modules will be supported at intervals by either
single or double mounted posts approximately 5 m apart, depending on the
orientation/configuration of the panels. The posts will be driven into the ground at an
approximate depth of 1.5 m. The cabling would be concealed in trenches.
4.11 Drawing SD-11 Panel Cross Section 26.5 Degree Tilt shows indicative dimensions of
the panels and their frame, that forms part of this planning application.
Figure 4-2 Example row of solar panels
Inverters
4.12 The inverters would be contained within shipping containers or similar cabin type
structures, each unit would measure 2.9 m high, 12.2 m long and 2.5 m wide. The
inverters would convert the direct current generated by the solar panels into alternating
current. An example of indicative elevations and dimensions of the inverter cabins and
associated infrastructure are shown in the Inverter Elevations and Dimensions Plan
(Reference: LCS-SD-08_rev02).
4.13 Transformers, as shown in drawing Reference LCS-SD-16_rev01, contained within the
inverter cabins, convert the low voltage output from the inverters into high voltage
suitable for feeding into the local electricity distribution network.
4.14 Inverters are located towards the centre of the development zones, shown in the Zoning
Layout Plan (Reference: LCS039-DZ_rev10).
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Figure 4-3 Example cabin
Substation Compound
4.15 The connection into the local electricity distribution network would require a DNO
substation. The DNO substation would measure 6 m long, 8 m wide and 4.1 m high.
4.16 Within this compound there would also be a Customer Substation measuring 3 m high,
10 m long and 4 m wide, and just outside there would be a meter kiosk measuring 1.8
m high, 2.1 m long and 0.8 m wide.
4.17 Indicative elevations and dimensions are shown in the DNO Substation Elevations and
Dimensions Plan (Reference: LCS-SD-01_rev02), Customer Substation Elevations and
Dimensions Plan (Reference: LCS-SD-02_rev02) and Meter Kiosk (Reference: SD-
25_rev01).
Figure 4-4 Example substation compound
Cabling and Grid Connection
4.18 The intention for the Proposed Development is to connect to the 132Kv power line which
runs north-south through the Site.
4.19 All cabling required for the Proposed Development would be located in buried trenches.
To connect the eastern parcel, the cabling will be required to cross the A130. If it is not
possible to utilise the bridge to connect this part of the Site, Horizonal Directional Drilling
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(HDD) will be used to tunnel underneath the A130. This would not impact function of the
road or ecology and trees.
4.20 The cabling would follow the existing road, Church Road, to a POC Mast of up to 35m
in height located within a compound in the north east corner of the Site as shown on the
Indicative Site Layout Plan (Reference: LCS039-PLE-01_rev11) and POC Mast
Compound (Reference: SD-23_rev01).
Figure 4-5 Example POC mast (on the left)
Security
4.21 It is proposed that stock-proof fencing (mesh with wooden posts or similar) to a height
of approximately 2 m would be installed along the outer edges of the Site in order to
restrict access.
4.22 This would be sited a minimum of 4 m inside the outermost hedges/trees/vegetation,
ensuring that the fence is visually obscured and access is available for hedge trimming
and maintenance. Gates would be installed at the Site access point for maintenance
access. These would be the same design, material and colour as the fencing.
4.23 The perimeter of the Site would be protected by a system of CCTV cameras, which
would provide full 24-hour surveillance around the entire perimeter. An intelligent sensor
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management system would manage the cameras. The cameras would be on poles of
approximately 2.5 m high, spaced at approximately 50 m intervals along the security
fence. There would be no lighting within the Site at night.
Figure 4-6 Example fencing and CCTV camera
Construction
4.24 Construction is expected to take place over approximately 16 weeks. During this period,
initial site setup works would take place followed by construction of the internal access
route(s), ground works, and the installation of the solar panels and other infrastructure.
4.25 Facilities would be provided on site for construction workers, including provision of a site
office and welfare facilities (including toilets, changing and drying facilities, and a
canteen). Fencing would be installed around the perimeter of the Site and temporary
parking would be provided for the construction workers.
4.26 During the 16-week construction period, it is proposed that construction working hours
would be as follows:
• 08:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday; and
• 08:00 – 13:00 Saturday.
4.27 Should work be required to be undertaken outside of these times, this would be agreed
in advance and in writing with the local planning authority.
4.28 At the end of each day, mobile plant would be returned to a secure overnight plant
storage, where drip trays can be utilised under the various types of plant, if needed.
Operation
4.29 Once operational, occasional maintenance of the solar panels and other infrastructure
would be required. The solar panels would need to be periodically cleaned, most likely
using soap and water, to ensure the efficient running of the system.
4.30 It is expected that under normal circumstances no more than 4 two-way trips (either car
or van) would visit the Site each week (i.e. generally less than 1 a day).
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4.31 It is intended that the Site would be retained in agricultural use for the life of the Proposed
Development; land between and underneath the panels could be used for sheep grazing
and planting a combination of grassland and meadows.
Decommissioning
4.32 At the end of the temporary operational lifespan (approximately 40 years), the solar
panels and other infrastructure would be removed, and the Site restored back to full
agricultural use. The small quantity of foundations, hard surfacing and heavy
infrastructure mean, in combination with retaining most of the Site as grassland, that the
land would be easier to restore than other more intrusive development, e.g. large
buildings requiring significant foundations.
4.33 The restoration process is intended to ensure that the land is restored to the same quality
as it was previously, and it is envisaged this would be secured through a suitable
condition attached to any planning permission.
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5. Site Selection
5.1 An iterative site selection process was undertaken to ensure the proposed Site
represents the most suitable and deliverable land to deliver the Proposed Development.
5.2 This process is described below and demonstrates that the Applicant has given due
consideration to the benefits and constraints associated with the proposed Site, when
compared and considered with potential alternative sites. This Section outlines the
rationale for choosing the proposed Site and, in doing so, highlights that there are no
clearly more suitable deliverable alternative sites.
5.3 The Site was carefully selected through the development process ensuring it met with
Low Carbon’s criteria, including a viable grid connection nearby with the capability of
importing and exporting the power generated, being a site which compares favourably
in terms of planning designations and a willing landowner.
Grid Capacity and Connection
5.4 The first consideration of the site selection process is electricity grid availability and a
viable connection. In this area UKPN confirmed there is capacity in the 132kV overhead
line.
5.5 A high-level assessment of connection costs against possible output determined that
connection up to 3 km from the Point of Connection (POC) would likely be feasible. Sites
in closer proximity to the POC are likely to be more feasible but this will be dependent
upon a range of factors including the output of the solar farm, connection costs, and the
route to the POC having regard to obstacles (e.g. roads, railway lines and rivers) and
any third party land agreements.
5.6 The 132kV overhead line currently runs through the Site, however the tie in can only be
made at certain pylons called tension towers which have the necessary loop in the lines
around the insulators to connect into.
Land Availability and Constraints
5.7 Once the POC was confirmed, landownership and a high level review of planning
constraints including, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific
Interest, ALC Grading, Green Belt and flood zones were considered. The constraints
identified within a 3 km radius of the Site are shown in Figure 5-1.
5.8 Key considerations in this location are the Green Belt and agricultural land classification;
a large proportion of the search area is within the Green Belt and the whole of the search
area is classed as Grade 3 (undifferentiated) agricultural land.
5.9 The Agricultural Land Classification Assessment highlights that the proposed Site is
characterised primarily as Grade 3b land with small areas of Grade 3a on the eastern
section of the Site. However, given the nature of the small isolated patches of Grade 3a
land, the Site as a whole is farmed as Grade 3b land. This therefore indicates there is
no land within the search area that is significantly worse in agricultural quality (i.e., Grade
4 or 5). In addition, there was no available previously developed land within the search
area of sufficient size.
5.10 Landownership information is key to understanding the fragmentation of the area,
without which land would be split up arbitrarily, disregarding potential land availability
and deliverability issues. Therefore, Low Carbon consulted their landowner database
and first sent out correspondence to landowners outside the Green Belt to ascertain
interest in leasing their land to Low Carbon to develop a solar farm. However, none of
these landowners indicated any interest.
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23Planning, Design and Access Statement
Sandon Brook Solar Farm
5.11 Land within the search area and outside the Green Belt where landowner information
was not available was dismissed, due to inadequate surface area without significant
obstacles, as well as a large proportion of the land covered by a recent screening opinion
for a solar farm of 68 ha (Planning Application Ref. 20/01501/EIASO).
5.12 Low Carbon therefore sent out correspondence to landowners within the Green Belt, at
which point the landowner of the proposed Site expressed interest.
5.13 Low Carbon, conscious that the Site is within the Green Belt, looked at other physical
properties and planning considerations. As such the proposed Site is largely bounded
by the A130 to the east and Hanningfield Reservoir to the west, as well as commercial
buildings to the south. This reduces potential landscape impact as well as the number
of visual receptors that would be impacted by the development of the Site. This is
opposed to the land farther north which is characterised by more open fields, dispersed
farmsteads and dwellings which would likely increase the visibility and landscape
impacts of the Proposed Development.
5.14 The whole Site is within Flood Zone 1 and does not contain any other environmental
designations than those already aforementioned; while the size of the Site is larger than
that is required to produce 49.9 MW of renewable energy allowing space for
environmental and biodiversity improvements such as planting and potential bee hives.
5.15 This process demonstrates that a rational and logical approach was taken to site
selection, having appropriate regard to practical, planning and environmental
considerations. It also demonstrates the absence of significantly more appropriate
alternatives for the Proposed Development.
Figure 5-1 Sandon Brook Search Area and Constraints
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24Planning, Design and Access Statement
Sandon Brook Solar Farm
6. Design
Design Approach
6.1 The design of the Proposed Development has been informed by the context of the Site
and its surroundings, as well as the opportunities and constraints presented by the Site.
6.2 The immediate and wider context within which the Site sits is formed mainly by
agricultural land; however, there is a presence of built development in the area, notably
the villages of West Hanningfield to the north west and South Hanningfield to the south
west, as well as Hanningfield Reservoir and its associated treatment works. Residential
receptors are confined to isolated farmhouses and a small collection of houses located
to the east of the Site. The Site, and surrounding land, is mostly flat which prevents far
reaching views.
6.3 Key elements in securing the design of the Proposed Development include:
• Minimising the environmental impact by preserving as far as possible trees and
hedgerows, maintaining suitable stand-offs from sensitive ecological features;
• Seeking opportunities for the management and enhancement of biodiversity, such
as planting of wildflower meadows and the introduction of beehives;
• Providing a functional design that makes the best use of location and provides for
efficient generation of electricity, namely by orientating the panels south to benefit
from maximum solar irradiation;
• Assimilating the Proposed Development into the local landscape as far as possible,
including providing additional screening;
• Ensuring safe and efficient access to the public highway;
• Retaining Public Rights of Way; and
• Ensuring the approach to design is inclusive.
6.4 All infrastructure required for the Proposed Development has been situated in such a
way as to avoid environmentally sensitive areas, and mitigation has been included to
reduce other impacts. For example, the POC mast is located in close proximity to the
existing pylon, this reduces the visual impact and the inverters have been placed
towards the centre of the Site to eliminate any potential for noise impact on local
receptors.
6.5 The approach taken to the design of the Proposed Development is considered
appropriate given its context and purpose - to generate and export electricity to the local
grid network.
Design Evolution
6.6 The design process for the Proposed Development has been iterative, a number of
design options have been considered and revised to take advantage of the opportunities
of the Site and mitigate for the constraints.
6.7 The main changes to the Proposed Development, in terms of design, include the
following:
• Removal of accesses that cross waterbodies, to reduce impact on species and
need for mitigation;
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25Planning, Design and Access Statement
Sandon Brook Solar Farm
• Additional planting of vegetation around the substation to reduce the visual impact
from the adjacent PRoW;
• Additional planting and screening have been introduced as a result of the
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment and Glint and Glare Study;
• Swales have been added as a result of the Drainage Strategy;
• The inclusion of HDD to facilitate cables crossing the A130, in case it is not
possible to put the cable across the bridge; and
• Buffers have been added to trees and badger sets.
Design through Consultation
6.8 The views expressed by consultees have been taken into consideration, given the
general positive feedback and reassurance that many of the residents had already been
considered and included in the key elements of the initial design process and evolution.
A significant change to the design of the Proposed Development was the relocation of
the primary site access away from Church Road, to help reduce the impact of traffic and
large vehicles on Church Road. Details of the consultation process are provided within
the Statement of Community Involvement.
Use
6.9 The Site currently comprises agricultural land within a predominantly rural setting.
6.10 It is intended that the Site would retain its agricultural use whilst the Proposed
Development is operational, this could be through sheep grazing. At the end of the
lifetime of the Proposed Development, it is envisaged that all infrastructure associated
with the Proposed Development would be removed and the land would be return to its
previous state.
6.11 The Site has been designed to be sympathetic to its agricultural surroundings, whilst
being practical in terms of technical and engineering considerations. It is therefore
considered that, on balance, the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding area.
Layout
6.12 The infrastructure necessary for the Proposed Development would be set within the
existing field pattern, with all field margins and boundary vegetation retained. The
security fencing around the Site would be situated inside the boundary vegetation
ensuring the fencing is not outwardly visible and the hedge can still be accessed for
maintenance.
6.13 The solar arrays would be laid out horizontally, south facing as to maximise the
absorption of sunlight. The inverters and accompanying batteries would be located in
the centre of the solar panels in each development zone to reduce visual and noise
impacts on surrounding receptors.
6.14 The substation compound would be located at the north west of the Site in development
zone 2 (as shown in drawing Reference: LCS039-dz-0_rev10), close to the access road
to allow for ease of movement once operational and effective screening.
6.15 The initial design was assessed by technical specialists with regard to agricultural land
classification, cultural heritage, flooding, ecology, LVIA, glint and glare, topography,
transport and trees. Each specialist visited the Site and carried out appropriate surveys
to identify the opportunities and constraints of the Site; plans were produced showing
these issues which guided the subsequent iterations of the design layout of the Site.
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26Planning, Design and Access Statement
Sandon Brook Solar Farm
6.16 This iterative design process helped ensure that the Proposed Development has as little
impact on the environment as possible. In addition, the incorporation of environmental
mitigation measures, such as planting, protection and appropriate stand offs from
sensitive features were central in the preparation of the layout.
6.17 The Indicative Site Layout Plan (Reference: LCS039-PLE-01_rev11), as shown in Figure
4-1, that forms part of this planning application submission shows the proposed layout.
Design Flexibility
6.18 At this stage it is important to retain design flexibility within the application; therefore, in
order to ensure a robust assessment of the impacts of the Proposed Development, the
assessments that form part of this application have been undertaken using the Rochdale
Envelope approach.
6.19 This approach involves using the maximum parameters for elements of the of the
Proposed Development where flexibility is required. As such, in the LVIA the POC mast
has been assessed at a height 35 m which is seen as a worst case scenario. Whereas
in practice, the POC mast may be a slightly lower height. Similarly, the solar panels
have been assessed at a maximum height of 2.8 m.
6.20 The Rochdale Envelope approach also involved defining development zones, rather
than having a definite layout. The development zones are shown in the Zoning Layout
Plan (Reference: LCS039-DZ_rev10). This zoning allows for future optimisation of the
solar farm following any grant of planning permission.
6.21 The zones define where certain infrastructure should be located within the Site, whilst
having flexibility in terms of layout within each zone. Infrastructure permitted within each
development zone is as follows;
• Development Zone 1: solar panels, inverters and batteries;
• Development Zone 2: solar panels, DNO substation compound, customer
substation and meter kiosk;
• Development Zone 3: solar panels, inverters and batteries;
• Development Zone 4: solar panels, inverters and batteries;
• Development Zone 5: solar panels, inverters and batteries;
• Development Zone 6: solar panels, inverters and batteries; and
• Development Zone 7: solar panels, inverters and batteries.
6.22 Similarly, a small zone is shown for the POC mast compound which just allows for that
compound to be located on either side of the hedgerow which runs through the middle
of that zone to avoid the loss of vegetation or trees.
6.23 The final precise siting of the panels and the POC mast can be secured by condition if
required.
Scale
6.24 The scale of the Proposed Development has been guided by the equipment required to
generate 49.9 MW of renewable energy.
6.25 The majority of the infrastructure is made up of solar PV panels at 2.8 m high, inverters
only slightly higher at 2.9 m. Some of the structures in the substation compound would
be 4 m high, however, sufficient planting around individual elements and the Site as a
whole will reduce the visual impact as well as assimilating the Site into the wider
landscape.
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27Planning, Design and Access Statement
Sandon Brook Solar Farm
6.26 The POC mast would be up to 35 m high but would be located directly adjacent to an
existing larger pylon and would be viewed in that context, minimising its visual impact in
views from the wider landscape.
Noise
6.27 The noise generated from the development will be minimal. The inverters would have a
sound level of 75 dB (A) at a 1 metre distance. Given the location of the inverters at the
centre of the development zones, the existing background noise of the A130 and the
water treatment works at Hanningfield Reservoir, there would be no adverse noise
impact on any neighbouring receptors.
Appearance
6.28 The most visible components of the Proposed Development would be the solar panels.
These would be mounted on a metal frame and constructed from non-reflective glass.
6.29 It is notable that the solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight, therefore there would
be no significant issues associated with glint and glare, although a Glint and Glare
Assessment is submitted as part of this planning application to demonstrate this.
Furthermore, the metal frame is treated to avoid any significant issues associated with
glint and glare. The metal frame is necessary because it is durable and is sufficiently
strong to hold the panels in position; a functional design requirement.
6.30 It is envisaged that the containers/cabins and other small buildings would be
appropriately coloured or clad to minimise any visual impact and comply as far as
practicable with the local vernacular. The structures would however be functional in
appearance, reflecting their purposes, which is for the generation of electricity.
6.31 Cabling between rows of panels, inverters and the grid connection point would be
underground at a prescribed depth, meaning that there would be no requirement for over
ground cabling therefore there would be no visual impact associated with this approach
(following initial construction).
Access
6.32 The primary access routes to the Site are from Cannon Barns Road. In addition, there
is an access from Church Road to serve the POC mast compound, and a backup access
to the Site which would be used infrequently.
6.33 Appropriate visibility splays are achievable from all access junctions with some
vegetation clearance. Three of the access junctions will be constructed, or modified as
appropriate, as part of the development to provide 6 m kerb radii and 6 m wide
carriageway, with the remaining three access points already being capable of
accommodating all anticipated vehicle turning manoeuvres.
6.34 The roads to/ from the Site are considered suitable to accommodate all construction and
operational vehicle types, as all of the roads on these routes are currently used by large
vehicles. Therefore, the construction vehicles and operational traffic associated with the
development will be easily accommodated therefore, it is anticipated that the vehicle
routing for the construction, operational and decommissioning phases will be the same.
6.35 Four existing PRoWs have been identified in the vicinity of the Site and will be suitably
managed throughout construction and operation of the development. Therefore, there
would be no impacts upon these PRoWs, and they shall remain accessible at all times.
6.36 Access routes and PROWs are illustrated on the Indicative Site Layout Plan (Reference:
LCS039-PLE-01_rev11), as shown in Figure 4-1. For more detail, please refer to the
Transport Statement that forms part of this application.
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