Why have we chosen this site?

The fields where the proposal is located are predominantly bound by a mix of dense tree lines, hedgerows and woodland shelter belt, providing good enclosure and limiting visibility for local residents.  Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) uses a grading system to assess and compare the quality of agricultural land at national, regional and local levels.  ALC classification within the site is a mixture of Grade 3 and 4 being moderate or poor agricultural land.

An existing existing solar farm is present on the southeastern boundary and another is located approximately 1km to the southwest. Additionally, there is an electricity substation located on the eastern boundary of the proposed development site, allowing electricity generated by the project to be connected to the grid. 

The closest settlement area lies 0.7km south, with few residences within close proximity. Additionally, the site lies outside of any statutory environmental, archaeological and landscape designations.

Planning and Environmental Considerations

RES has refined the design of the solar farm so that it will fit sensitively in the surrounding landscape. A number of detailed assessments have been carried out to ensure any impact upon the environment, landscape, heritage and local residents is appropriately assessed and mitigated. These assessments include:

Landscape and Visual

The site is not located within any nationally or locally designated landscapes. A locally designated Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) is located 1.2km south and 2.5km southwest of the site within the neighbouring Cornwall Council area. However, given the low height of the site infrastructure and taking account of the intervening distance and screening by field boundary vegetation, it is considered unlikely that that the qualities of this AGLV will be indirectly adversely affected. Nevertheless, potential effects on the Cornwall AGLV have been considered.

Ecology

The proposed solar farm does not lie within any statutory environmental designated sites. The majority of the site comprises arable habitats (primarily cattle-grazed improved grassland and grass leys), which are considered to be of low ecological value. Adverse effects from the proposed solar farm habitats are not anticipated.

A Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP)/Landscape and Environmental Management Plan (LEMP) will be produced and will be implemented during the construction and operational phases of the project.  This will involve the creation of new habitats offering food and shelter to wildlife.  As a result, it is anticipated that the development will result in a net gain for biodiversity.

Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

There are no designated or non-designated heritage assets recorded within the boundary of the project site or a 1km study.  An archaeology walkover survey was also undertaken and did not identify any features of archaeological significance. As no recorded designated or non-designated sites are present within the site boundary or study area, no direct effects upon recorded features will occur.  

Flood Assessment

The Application Site is wholly within Flood Zone 1 (at little to no risk of flooding), with the exception of small areas around Derril Water, which runs past the eastern boundary of the site. This shows some small areas near its banks where there is some minor flood risk (Zone 2 and 3); however, these areas will be avoided.

Traffic

During the construction phase there would be a maximum number of heavy goods vehicle movements of 20 per day.  A traffic management plan will be in place to ensure vehicles access the site outside of morning and evening rush hours and to reduce impacts on local roads.  During the operational phase we anticipate there would be, on average, one visit a month for O&M purposes.

Noise

Solar panels themselves do not generate noise. The main noise source associated with a solar farm will be within the inverter stations.  Small fans would operate within the inverters, during daylight hours only, and should not pose any noise disturbance.

Glint and Glare

In terms of reflectance, photovoltaic solar panels are not highly reflective surfaces. They are designed to absorb sunlight and not to reflect it. Several studies have shown that photovoltaic panels have similar reflectance characteristics to water, which is much lower than glass, steel, snow and white concrete by comparison.