Key considerations
VISUAL IMPACT
The proposed development is for a solar photovoltaic installation consisting of non-reflective panels mounted atop a standardised framework. Panels will be mounted such that they do not exceed 3 metres in height.
Panels are to be located on land within a landscape context that does not feature extensive longer distance views of the site. The typography of the site and its surroundings is broadly level and there are limited public viewpoints of the site, which are largely limited to its northern and southernmost aspects.
The site already features a degree of interspersed boundary planting to most aspects, albeit this is limited, particularly from the north. The scheme will retain and enhance these existing hedgerows, acting to limit its visual impact to specific, localised viewpoints (principally Easton Lane to the northern edge of the site).
The inclusion of additional landscape mitigation measures where necessary in the form of infill planting, new hedgerows etc. can be secured during the planning process to further limit these impacts, such that the development would be screened to a greater degree from almost all aspects.
The Landscape/visual impact of the development will be comparatively limited and, as such, the proposals can be integrated into the local landscape without significant adverse effects upon the wider landscape or visual environment. A detailed Landscape and Visual Appraisal will be submitted at the application stage.
HIGHWAYS
The access point for the solar farm is proposed from Easton Road and this will be agreed in discussion with the Highways Authority.
The site location means that construction vehicles can easily access the site from A12 and B1116. This means that no HGVs will pass through local villages or Wickham Market to get to the site.
BIODIVERSITY
A minimum of 10% net gain in biodiversity will be achieved on site and early indications are that it will be much greater. This will support and enhance habitats on the site. Moreover, there will be no loss of trees as a result of this proposal.
The proposal to plant species-rich grassland with wildflower margins will create new homes for nature and give a much-needed boost to Britain’s beleaguered pollinators. The supplementation of existing vegetation and hedgerows will also see native planting delivered as part of the proposal.
The team is also exploring further measures to allow local wildlife to thrive, including new bird and bat boxes and reptile hibernacula in surrounding habitats on the farm.
A full Ecological Impact Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment (BNG) will be submitted at the application stage which will inform the final site layout to reflect their findings and, where necessary, mitigation measures will be identified and implemented.
FARMING
In response to tough economic challenges, farmers up and down the country are seeking to diversify in order to secure the long-term future of their farms.
Over recent years, wetter winters and drier summers linked to climate change have damaged crop yields on the two fields selected for solar. In short, the soil needs a fallow period to rest and recover.
Solar here, on just over 10% of the farmer’s land, will allow the farmer to invest in agricultural production across the rest of the farm so that they can continue to produce sugar beet, wheat, barley and other crops here in Hacheston for many more years to come.
There is also the potential for sheep grazing on the two fields selected for solar to retain an agricultural use on the land.
HERITAGE
The site lies within close proximity of two Grade II listed buildings, Abbey Farmhouse adjacent to northeast site boundary, and 42/43 Hacheston Road approximately 280m west of the main northern site area. These lie outside the site boundary and the proposed layout and enhancement measures take into account the setting of these heritage assets.
Whilst other Listed Buildings and Conservation Area designations are situated within the wider local context, their separation from the site is such that no potential impacts upon their setting and thus special historical and architectural significance would be generated by the development proposal. No wider harm to surrounding designated heritage assets is identified, indicating that no significant impacts would arise. The application will be supported by a Heritage Statement and Archaeological Assessment.
FLOOD RISK
The proposed application site is in Flood Zone 1, which means that there is a low risk of flooding on the site.
DECOMMISSIONING
At the end of its expected 42-year life, all elements of the scheme would be fully decommissioned and removed from the site. The detailed decommissioning arrangements would be controlled by a condition imposed on any future planning permission requiring the submission and approval of a Decommissioning Method Statement (DMS) 6 months prior to the use ceasing. Typically, a DMS includes:
Details of the removal of the panels and all associated structures and fencing from the site and a timetable for their removal.
A traffic management plan.
An environmental management plan to include measures to be taken during the decommissioning period to protect wildlife and habitats.
Full details of the proposed restoration of the site including a site wide restoration and aftercare scheme.
Details of the recycling and disposal of the decommissioned elements.
The condition requires that the site will be decommissioned in accordance with the DMS within 12 months.
At the end of their useful life, the solar panels are recycled in line with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations via Longi, Grupotec’s chosen recycling partner.
The project is completely reversible, and all aspects can be fully removed. After decommissioning, farming can continue, with soil quality having been improved.