Pollington Solar Farm RPS Design and Access Statement

Transcription

1 Pollington Solar Farm RPS Design and Access Statement Gaelectric Renewable Energy Developments Ltd rpsgroup.com/uk

2 Design and Access Statement Proposed Solar Farm and Associated Infrastructure Pollington, East Yorkshire Date: April 2015 Our Ref: OXF8911 RPS 20 Western Avenue Milton Park Abingdon Oxon OX14 4SH Tel: rpsgroup.com/uk

3 QUALITY MANAGEMENT Prepared by: Luke Simpson Authorised by: Christopher LeCointe Date: 22 April 2015 Project Number/Document Reference: OXF8911/DAS COPYRIGHT RPS The material presented in this report is confidential. This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Gaelectric Renewable Contents Energy Developments Limited and shall not be distributed or made available to any other company or person without the knowledge and written consent of RPS. rpsgroup.com/uk

4 CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION... 4 Introduction... 4 Scope of this Statement DESIGN EVOLUTION PROCESS... 5 Introduction... 5 Application Site Description... 5 Surrounding Area Description... 7 Relevant Policies... 8 Pre-application Consultation Design Evolution DESIGN RESPONSE Use Amount Layout Scale Landscaping Appearance ACCESS Introduction Site Access Heck and Pollington Lane / Long Lane A A CONCLUSIONS Figure 1.0 Site Location Plan Figure 3.0 Indicative Site Layout Figure 8911-LVIA-9 Landscaping Plan Appendix 1- Indicative 48 Panel Table Layout Plan & Elevations Appendix 2- DNO Control Building Plan & Elevations Appendix 3- Indicative Control Building & Elevations Appendix 4- Indicative Compound Plan and Elevations Appendix 5- Indicative Deer Fence and Gate Details Appendix 6- Typical CCTV Mast Elevation rpsgroup.com/uk

5 1 INTRODUCTION Introduction 1.1 This Design and Access Statement has been prepared by RPS Planning & Development on behalf of Gaelectric Renewable Energy Developments Limited ( the Applicant ), to assist East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) in their consideration of an application for planning permission for the development of a ground mounted solar farm with associated infrastructure at Land at Pollington Airfield, Heck and Pollington Lane, Great Heck, Goole, East Yorkshire, DN14 0DA ( the Development ). 1.2 The planning application is for the installation of solar panels with a generating capacity of up to 5MW mounted on metal frames with associated infrastructure, including client and DNO control buildings; up to 4no. inverter buildings; new and upgraded on site access tracks; underground cabling; temporary construction compound; perimeter fencing with infrared CCTV and access gates; and associated works. 1.3 The Application Site is 12.9 hectares. The Application Site is identified by the red-line on Figure The design and layout of the proposed Development are largely dictated by its function as a solar farm. The design of the proposed Development may be subject to limited amendment as the precise specification of the plant and equipment will not be able to be confirmed until ordered post planning. The Applicant is therefore seeking for a condition to be imposed on any consent granted enabling minor revisions to the design and layout of the Proposed Development within the parameters of the details contained within this Statement. Scope of this Statement 1.5 This Design and Access Statement has been written in accordance with CABE s document entitled Design and Access Statements: How to write, read and use them (CABE, 2006) 1. This Design and Access Statement is structured as follows: Section 2: Design Evolution Process: describes the site and surroundings, relevant planning policies, pre-application consultation and how the proposals has evolved within this context Section 3: Design Response: describes the proposed Development in terms of Use (what the buildings and spaces will be used for), Amount (how much would be built on site), Layout (how the buildings and spaces will be arranged on site), Scale (how big the buildings and spaces would be), Landscaping (how open spaces will be treated to protect the character of a place) and Appearance (what buildings and spaces will look like). Section 4: Access: Provides details of the access points and routes chosen. 1 CABE., Design and Access Statements: How to write, read and use them. London: CABE 4 rpsgroup.com/uk

6 2 DESIGN EVOLUTION PROCESS Introduction 2.1 In determining the design of the proposed Development the Applicant has considered the environmental and land use constraints, the planning policy context and the consultation responses received at the pre-application stage. This section of the Design and Access Statement describes that process and how the design of the development has subsequently evolved. Application Site Description 2.2 The site is located at National Grid Reference , It is irregular in shape, occupying an area of 12.9 hectares. 2.3 The Application Sites is located within part of the now disused Pollington Airfield located 1.5 km northwest of the village of Pollington and approximately 14 kilometres (km) to the west of the outskirts of Goole, East Yorkshire. 2.4 The Application Site comprises an area of open land within the site of Pollington Airfield, which is now disused. Part of the Application Site has recently been used for waste wood management and storage in association with an adjacent wood processing site, located to the west of the Application Site boundary. The land has since returned to open land and has been cleared and levelled. The Application Site is currently vacant. Access 2.5 Access to the Application Site is via the existing access off Heck and Pollington Lane which currently provides access to the existing wood processing site and pellet mill. Ownership 2.6 The area of land within the Applicant s control is denoted by the red and blue line in Figure 1.0. Administrative Geography 2.7 The Application Site is located wholly within the administrative boundary of East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) and Pollington Parish Council. Topography 2.8 A Topographic Survey (RPS, 2015a) 2 has been undertaken and submitted as part of this planning application. 2 RPS., 2015a. Topographic Survey: Drawing number UAH3017_A 5 rpsgroup.com/uk

7 2.9 The levels across the Application Site range between 8.0m Above Ordinance Datum ( AOD ), in the western corner of the Application Site, and 12.0m AOD in the centre of the Application Site. The topographic survey also identifies the following features: A bund is located upon the southern boundary of the Application Site. The bund is shown to be at a maximum level of 13.26m AOD, sloping downwards in an easterly direction to a minimum level of 12.10m AOD. A further bund is located upon the north eastern boundary of the Application Site, sloping downwards from a level of 11.87m AOD to a level of 11.23, trending in a south easterly direction. The access road to the Application Site is shown to slope upwards from Heck and Pollington Lane in a northerly direction. Public Rights of Way 2.10 There are no Public Rights of Ways (PRoW) or public roads located within the Application Site. Landscape 2.11 The Application Site is not located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or a National Park. Details relating to existing Landscape Character are contained within the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) (RPS, 2015b) 3 submitted as part of this planning application. Trees and Hedgerows 2.12 There are no trees or hedgerows within the Application Site (RPS, 2015c) 4. Flood Risk and Hydrology 2.13 Reference to the Environment Agency Flood Map (available online) 5 indicates that the Application Site is located within Flood Zone 1 whereby the annual probability of fluvial flooding is classified as a less than 1 in 1000 (>0.1% Annual Exceedance Probability). Ecological Designations 2.14 The site is not located within any designated area of ecological importance. 3 RPS., 2015b. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment: Proposed Solar Farm and Associated Infrastructure at Pollington, East Yorkshire. (Section 4). 4 RPS., 2015c. Ecological Appraisal: Proposed Solar Farm and Associated Infrastructure at Pollington, East Yorkshire (Figure 3.2) 5 Environment Agency., 2015a. [Online] Available at: xtonly=off&lang=_e&topic=floodmap 6 rpsgroup.com/uk

8 Agricultural Land 2.15 The Application Site has recently been cleared and levelled. However, it is not currently in agricultural use and does not form part of any agricultural land holding. Contamination 2.16 The site is not known to be contaminated. Surrounding Area Description Administrative Geography 2.17 The administrative boundary of Selby District Council and North Yorkshire County Council is approximately 20m north west of the Application Site boundary at its closest point. The existing site access and part of the access track leading to the Application Site are within these administrative boundaries, although no development is proposed within them The Civil Parish boundary of Gowdall Parish Council is located directly north of the Application Site. To the east the Application Site is bound by the Civil Parish boundary of Heck Parish Council. Approximately 2km to the east of the Application Site is the administrative boundary of Snaith and Cowick Town Council. Neighbouring Buildings and Infrastructure 2.19 There are a limited number of residential properties in proximity to the Application Site. The closest residential property is located on Heck and Pollington Lane approximately 450m south of the Application Site To the west the nearest residential properties are Heck Hall Farm and Terrace approximately 500 m to the west of the Application Site North of the Application Site the M62 abuts the Application Site boundary and runs east to west. Beyond the M62 there are residential properties approximately 600m north west and 1km north east of the Application Site The nearest neighbouring residential properties to the east are located approximately 500m from the eastern corner of the Application Site The property to the west of the main complex entrance with Heck and Pollington Lane is controlled by Stobart and is not in residential use The area immediately surrounding the Application Site is characterised by arable land and industrial uses. Non-residential buildings in close proximity to the Application Site include the existing pellet mill and outdoor wood processing facility approximately 100m to the west. Numerous blockworks are located within the vicinity of the Application Site, with the closest being the H+H Celcon site to the south of Heck and Pollington Road, due south from the Application Site. The commercial premises of DNA Baits lies immediately south of the Application Site and is contained by earth bunds that surround the premises. Commercial premises, to the east of DNA Baits and south of the Application Site are situated within and around the old aircraft hangar and associated buildings. Cherry Tree Mill 7 rpsgroup.com/uk

9 and the surrounding commercial premises are located off Snaith Road and Gowdall Lane, to the east of the Application Site A more detailed description of the neighbouring visual receptors is contained within the LVIA (RPS, 2015b) submitted as part of this planning application. Settlements 2.26 The nearest neighbouring settlement is Pollington with properties on Gowdall Road located approximately 500m east of the Application Site s eastern boundary. The primary settlement boundary of Pollington is located approximately 1.2km south east of the Application Site The Village of Great Heck which is located approximately 800m west of the Application Sites western boundary. Public Rights of Way 2.28 Six PRoW footpaths are located within 2 km of the development and the north western Application Site Boundary runs parallel to (but setback from) Pollington Footpath No. 10. This footpath has been bisected by the M62 which has restricted access. Landscape Designations 2.29 There are no AONBs or National Parks located within 50km of the Application Site Landscape Character and Landscape features are discussed in detail within the LVIA (RPS, 2015b) submitted as part of this application. Flood Risk and Hydrology 2.31 The M62 to the north of the Application Site is partly located within Flood Zone 3, which is land assessed as having a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of river flooding (>1%), or a 1 in 200 or greater annual probability of flooding from the sea (>0.5%) in any year. Ecological Designations 2.32 There are no statutory sites within 2km of the Application Site. The closest site is Went Ings Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest, 5.2 km from the Application Site. The Ecological Appraisal (RPS, 2015c) undertaken and submitted as part of this planning application provides more details on non-statutory designations at table 3.1. Relevant Policies The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) 2.33 Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act requires local planning authorities to determine planning applications in accordance with the provisions of the Development 6 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, s.38(6) 8 rpsgroup.com/uk

10 Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. A judgement then has to be made on the extent to which a proposal conflicts with the Development Plan and whether any such conflicts are outweighed by other material considerations A full assessment of all relevant Development Plan policies and other material policy considerations, is contained within the Planning Statement (RPS, 2015d) 7 submitted as part of this planning application. Development Plan 2.35 The Development Plan relevant to the determination of this planning application, which is located entirely within the administrative boundary of ERYC, comprises the following: The saved policies of the Boothferry Borough Local Plan (East Riding of Yorkshire Area) (Adopted April 1999) 8 ; and The saved policies of the Joint Structure Plan for Kingston Upon Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire (Adopted June 2005) The Development Plan policies form the main decision making documents in respect of this proposed Development. However, the emerging ERYC Development Plan Documents (DPDs) will eventually replace these documents and can also be given weight in the consideration of planning applications Boothferry Local Plan (BBC, 1999) Policy EN7, on New Development in the Open Countryside, states in full: New development in the open countryside will only be allowed when it: i) Is located and sited so as to minimise visual intrusion ii) Is of a scale and design appropriate to the rural area iii) Is, where practicable, built of traditional materials which reflect the character of the locality and where this is not practicable, using modern materials which are visually compatible with them, iv) Avoids bright or reflective surfaces 7 RPS., Planning Statement: Proposed Solar Farm and Associated Infrastructure at Pollington, East Yorkshire 8 Boothferry Borough Council.,1999. Boothferry Borough Local Plan *East Riding of Yorkshire Area): Adopted- April Beverley: East Riding Print & Design 9 Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council., Joint Structure Plan for Kingston Upon Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. ( 9 rpsgroup.com/uk

11 v) Makes use of existing landscaping where possible or is adequately landscape as part of the proposal Joint Structure Plan (KUP & ERYC, 2005) Policy SP5 on, Design of New Development states in full: Development proposals should achieve a high standard of design that: (i) respects local landscape and settlement character including building styles and materials; (ii) integrates visually and physically with its surroundings; (iii) harnesses local heritage and landscape distinctiveness; (iv) maximises the use of sustainable construction material and techniques; (v) makes it easy and safe for people to move around and through the development; (vi) encourages a vibrant mix of uses either on the site or across a wider area; and (vii) facilitates walking, cycling and the use of public transport. Other Material Policy Considerations 2.39 The East Riding Local Plan is the name for the suite of planning documents that together will provide the long term plan for development in East Riding. Once individual documents are adopted they will be used to determine planning applications within the District. These documents, once adopted will replace the existing adopted Development Plan documents. The emerging Local Plan comprises the following document which is relevant to the consideration of this planning application: East Riding Local Plan: Proposed Submission Strategy Document (ERLP) (January 2014) Policy ENV1, on Integrating High Quality Design, states in part: All development proposals will: 1. Contribute to safeguarding and respecting the diverse character and appearance of the area through their design, layout, construction and use; and 2. Seek to reduce carbon emissions and make prudent and efficient use of natural resources, particularly land, energy and water. 10 ERYC., East Riding Local Plan: Proposed Submission Strategy Document [Online] Available at: 10 rpsgroup.com/uk

12 Pre-application Consultation 2.41 This planning application has been the subject of pre-application consultation with ERYC on 24 th February 2015, the local community and other consultees within the Local Planning Authorities and other organisations. None of the responses received had a direct impact upon the design of the proposed Development as the layout and design had been considered within the context of existing land use and environmental constraints prior to pre-application consultation. Design Evolution 2.42 No significant constraints have been identified within the Application Site itself as a result of any consultation or preliminary assessment prior to the submission of the planning application. Figure 2.1 shows the initially proposed layout prior to pre-application consultation with ERYC. This layout takes into consideration the existing uses surrounding the site including storage of straw on the adjacent former runways. Figure 2.1- Layout Although pre-application consultation did not identify any further constraints which necessitated revisions to the layout, the Applicant produced constraints mapping to reflect identified constraints to the layout of the proposed Development. These included the telecommunications mast, Pollington Footpath No.10 to the north west, the Flood Zone to the north and existing wood processing infrastructure and storage areas. 11 rpsgroup.com/uk

13 Figure Layout Figure 2.2 shows the revised layout taking into account the existing land use constraints as identified through the constraints mapping process. The layout has been amended to avoid the siting of PV panels within the area to the north adjacent to Footpath No.10 and the telecommunications mast A topographic survey (RPS, 2015b) 11 was subsequently undertaken In addition, residential properties on Gowdall Lane approximately 500 metres to the east of the Application Site, at Highfield off Gowdall Lane, were identified as being the most visually receptive to the proposed Development (RPS 2015c). Figure Layout 3 (Final Layout) 11 RPS., 2015a. Topographic Survey. Drawing number UAH3017_A 12 rpsgroup.com/uk

14 2.47 In order to minimise the visual impact of the proposed Development, particularly to the east of the Application Site, the layout of the PV panels was brought towards the west of the site away from properties to the east. The final layout at Figure 2.3 takes advantage of the existing landscaping bunds as identified on the Topographic Survey (RPS, 2015b) and enables an area of planting to be proposed to the east of the Application Site (discussed in Section 3 of this report under Landscaping ) The design of the PV panels, electrical buildings and associated infrastructure has been dictated by the Development s function as a solar farm. The design of these components is considered in detail within the following section of this Design and Access Statement. 13 rpsgroup.com/uk

15 3 DESIGN RESPONSE Use 3.1 The proposed Development is for a ground mounted solar farm with associated infrastructure. Amount Solar Panels 3.2 Solar panels will be orientated toward the south on metal mounting frames in table layout. Each table is expected to comprise 2 rows of 24 solar panels. DNO and Client Control Buildings 3.3 One Client Control Building is proposed and one Distributor Network Operator (DNO) building is proposed. Inverter Buildings It is proposed that approximately 4 Inverter compounds will be developed. Access and Site Tracks 3.4 The Development will be connected to the public road network via the existing access track that connects with Heck and Pollington Lane. No access upgrade works are required. The track which currently runs north-west to south-east through the Application Site will be upgraded. Temporary Construction Compound 3.5 A temporary construction laydown area is proposed. This area will be in temporary use for a period of approximately 3 months whilst the solar farm is constructed. Fencing and Security 3.6 Fencing is proposed to secure the Application Site. It is proposed that the fencing is located along the perimeter of the solar PV area. Two gated access points are proposed. CCTV cameras will be interspersed along the fencing perimeter. Temporary development 3.7 The solar farm will have a temporary operational lifetime of up to 25 years after which the land will be returned to its former use. Layout Solar Panels 3.8 Spacing of panel mounting posts will vary depending upon ground conditions. The panel tables will be separated by a distance of between 4.5 and 7.5 metres ( m ) as indicated on Figure rpsgroup.com/uk

16 DNO and Client Control Buildings 3.9 It is proposed that a DNO control building is located within the south-eastern corner of the Application Site adjacent to the Client control building and outside of the perimeter fencing. It is proposed that a Client control building is located to the south-eastern corner of the Application Site within the perimeter fence and directly adjacent to the southern site access. Inverter Buildings 3.10 It is proposed that approximately 4 Inverter compounds are located within the centre of the solar PV area. Access and Site Tracks 3.11 Existing access tracks will be utilised and therefore their location is already determined. Temporary Construction Compound 3.12 A temporary construction laydown area is proposed to the south-eastern corner of the Application Site. This will enable ease of access for construction staff and provide a suitable location for loading and unloading of construction materials. Fencing and Security 3.13 It is proposed that the fencing is located along the perimeter of the solar PV area. Fence posts will be mounted on concrete foundations. Two gated access points are proposed. The first is located to the north-western corner of the solar PV area and the second to the south-eastern corner Spacing between CCTV cameras will be dependent upon the specification of cameras used and specialist contractor design requirements. Scale Solar Panels 3.15 Panels will be angled at between 20 and 30 degrees and will be fixed with no moving parts. The panels will have a maximum height of between approximately 1.7m and 2.6m and will be raised between approximately 0.6m and 0.9m above ground level at their lowest point. DNO and Client Control Buildings 3.16 The DNO control building will be approximately 6.6m x 5m x 3.95m and will be of traditional or GRP construction The Client control building will be approximately 7.2m x 3m x 2.4m and will be of traditional or GRP construction. Inverter Buildings 3.18 The proposed dimensions of the inverter compound buildings will be approximately 6m x 3m x 3m. The inverter buildings will be semi-gloss painted in green. 15 rpsgroup.com/uk

17 Temporary Construction Compound Area 3.19 The construction compound area is temporary and is of a sufficient size to accommodate construction materials during laydown and welfare and other construction facilities. Fencing and Security 3.20 Fence posts will be mounted on concrete foundations. Superior premium wire deer fencing or similar will be erected to a maximum height of approximately 1.9m. The gates will be constructed of deer fencing and will have an access width of approximately 3.65m CCTV units will be mounted on galvanised posts incorporating an anti-climbing guard for enhanced security. The posts will be between approximately 4m and 4.5m above ground at their highest point. No security lighting is proposed as infrared cameras will be used. Landscaping 3.22 Mitigation and enhancement planting in the form of shrub planting is proposed to the east of the Application Site as detailed within the Ecological and Landscape Mitigation and Management Plan ELMMP ) (RPS 2015d) and shown on Figure 8911-LVIA-9. The ELMMP sets out how this proposed planting will be implemented and managed over the operational lifetime of the solar farm. The proposed planting measures assist in visually screening the proposed Development in addition to the existing landscaping bunds within the Application Site. The layout of the proposed Development has been designed to make use of these existing landscape features to reduce the visual impact of the proposed Development. Appearance 3.23 The LVIA (RPS, 2015b) provides an assessment of the visual impact of the proposed Development. Many of the proposed structures are typical of large-scale solar PV development and are consistent with their function as components of the solar farm. However, the appearance of each component of the development is addressed below. Solar Panels 3.24 The appearance of the solar panels is dictated by their function as components of a Solar Farm (see Appendix 2). The panels are static and face south. A Glint and Glare Assessment (Pager Power, 2015) 12 has been submitted as part of this planning application and concludes that there would be no significant adverse impact upon any residential receptor or public highway as a result of the proposed Development. DNO and Client Control Buildings 3.25 The appearance of the DNO control building is dictated by it s use as a component of the solar farm. Appendix 3 shows an indicative elevation and floor plan. 12 Pager Power., Solar Photovoltaic Glint and Glare Study: Pollington Airfield Solar PV Plant. 16 rpsgroup.com/uk

18 3.26 The appearance of the Client control building is dictated by its function as a component of the solar farm. Appendix 4 shows indicative elevations of the proposed building. Indicative Inverter Buildings 3.27 The inverter buildings will be painted in a semi-gloss green to ensure that they assimilate with the surrounding area. These buildings have flat roofs and are of a design which is appropriate to their function as a component of the solar farm as shown at Appendix 5. Access and Site Tracks 3.28 The access tracks into the site will be retained with the existing central track, which runs south-east to north-west, stone-rolled. Temporary Construction Compound Area 3.29 The temporary construction compound will be returned to areas proposed for planting as detailed within the ELMMP (RPS, 2015d) and outlined above in relation to Landscaping. The construction period is anticipated to last between 3 to 4 months. Indicative Fencing and Security 3.30 Superior Premium Wire Deer Fence is proposed as is shown at Appendix 6. The type of fencing proposed has been chosen because it maintains the security of the site whist also being in keeping with the semi-rural character of the surrounding area The proposed gates are of similar construction to the perimeter fencing The appearance of the proposed CCTV mounting posts and cameras is shown at Appendix 7. The cameras are infrared can therefore there is no lighting proposed as part of the Development. 17 rpsgroup.com/uk

19 4 ACCESS Introduction 4.1 This Section of the Design and Access Statement, on Access, is relevant insofar as the proposed Development is linked to the existing transport network via an existing access point. This access will be used for the construction of the proposed Development and for occasional visits the operational period for maintenance. A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) (RPS, 2015e) 13 has been submitted as part of this planning application and provides details in respect of the construction transport impacts of the Development. Site Access 4.2 Access to the Application Site will be taken via the existing access off Heck and Pollington Lane which currently provides access to the wood processing site and pellet mill. On site vehicle tracks will used with the central access track stone rolled. These tracks will be principally used during the construction phase with occasional access for routine maintenance during the operational period. 4.3 All HGV construction vehicles will follow the proposed route via Heck and Pollington Lane to the west of the Application Site, then Long Lane up to the A645, then the A645 west to the A19 before joining the M62 at Junction 34. It is likely the majority of staff vehicles will also follow this route, with the exception of construction workers that live locally to the east of the Application Site. Heck and Pollington Lane / Long Lane 4.4 Heck and Pollington Lane is a single carriageway road which primarily routes east to west providing a route between Gowdall Lane and Pollington village in the east and Long Lane and Great Heck village in the west. The lane is currently used by a number of existing industrial units located off Heck and Pollington Lane. Heck and Pollington Lane is a signed diversion route for high sided vehicles using the A645 to avoid the height restriction (14 3 ) where the rail line passes over the road. The CTMP (RPS, 2015e) outlines that this road is suitable for HGVs. A The A645 is an all-purpose single carriageway road routing primarily east to west from Crofton to Airmyn Grange via Featherstone, Pontefract, Knottingley, Eggborough and Snaith. Locally the road provides a link between the A19 in the west and the A1041 / A614 in the east. 13 RPS., 2015e. Construction Traffic Management Plan: Proposed Solar Farm and Associated Infrastructure at Pollington, East Yorkshire. 18 rpsgroup.com/uk

20 A The A19 is a single carriageway road routing between the A1 and Seaton Burn in the north and Doncaster in the south via Sunderland, Teesside, Thirsk and York. 19 rpsgroup.com/uk

21 5 CONCLUSIONS 5.1 The proposed Development involves a well-considered layout and design which has been informed by an assessment of the existing land use and environmental constraints of the Application Site and surrounding area. 5.2 The scale of the proposed Development is not out of character with the rural and industrial character of the surrounding areas. 5.3 The design of the proposed Development is largely dictated by its function as a solar farm. Given the relatively low height of the structures and panels proposed, the Development would not be a prominent feature within the landscape. The site is flat and benefits from levels of existing screening provided by natural and built landscape features within the Application Site and surrounding area. Planting measures are proposed to further mitigate the potential impact of the proposed Development. 5.4 The proposed Development utilises existing access tracks for construction and operation with the central track stone-rolled. Once operational the proposed Development will not require continuous human presence and only a limited number of transport movements will be generated. The site will be secured by deer stock fencing and CCTV cameras. 5.5 After an operational period of 25 years the solar farm would be decommissioned and the land would be restored to its former use. It is considered that the proposed Development accords with all relevant design and access policies at both local and national scales. 20 rpsgroup.com/uk

22 FIGURE 1.0- SITE LOCATION PLAN rpsgroup.com/uk

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24 FIGURE 3.0- INDICATIVE SITE LAYOUT rpsgroup.com/uk

25 10m 15m East Farm Track Drain 5m c 2015 RPS Group Notes 1. This drawing has been prepared in accordance with the scope of RPS s appointment with its client and is subject to the terms and conditions of that appointment. RPS accepts no liability for any use of this document other than by its client and only for the purposes for which it was prepared and provided. 2. If received electronically it is the recipients responsibility to print to correct scale. Only written dimensions should be used. GREEN LANE Legend Application site Land owner boundary M62 Proposed site access tracks Conveyors Drain PV panels 9m Inverter station DNO control building Drain Client control building G O W D A Construction compound area Conveyors L L B R O A C H A645 Works Mast 10m Drain One module Indicative solar table layout Co Const & UA Bdy Rev Description Date Initial Checked 10m Airfield 10m disused 8m 20 Western Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4SH T: +44(0) E: rpsox@rpsgroup.com F: +44(0) m 10m Depot Client Project Gaelectric Renewable Energy Developments Limited Pollington Solar Farm O:\8911 Pollington Solar\Tech\Drawings\ dwg m 10m 14m Pit dis The Bungalow Norpins HECK AND Crown copyright, All rights reserved License number Title Indicative Site Layout Status Drawn By FINAL AVG Job Ref A3 OXF8911 1: 5,000 PM/Checked by LS Date Created April 2015 Figure Number Rev rpsgroup.com O:\8911 Pollington Solar\Tech\Drawings\ dwg

26 FIGURE 8911-LVIA-9- LANDSCAPING PLAN rpsgroup.com/uk

27 15m 5 East Farm Track Track Drain 5m c 2015 RPS Group Notes 1. This drawing has been prepared in accordance with the scope of RPS s appointment with its client and is subject to the terms and conditions of that appointment. RPS accepts no liability for any use of this document other than by its client and only for the purposes for which it was prepared and provided. 2. If received electronically it is the recipients responsibility to print to correct scale. Only written dimensions should be used. GREEN LANE Legend Application site Land owner boundary M62 Proposed site access tracks PV panels 9m Drain Inverter station DNO control building Client control building Drain G O W D A Construction compound area Conveyors L L B R O A C H Shrub planting - 1.5m centres A645 Wildflower seed mix Works Mast 10m Existing bund Drain Existing grassland One module Indicative solar table layout Co Const & UA Bdy Rev Description Date Initial Checked 10m Airfield 10m disused 10m 10m 8m 20 Western Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4SH T: +44(0) E: rpsox@rpsgroup.com F: +44(0) Client Gaelectric Renewable Energy Developments Limited 9m Depot Project Pollington Solar Farm O:\8911 Pollington Solar\Tech\Drawings\ dwg m 10m 14m Pit The Bungalow Norpins HECK Crown copyright, All rights reserved License number Title Status FINAL Job Ref OXF8911 Figure Number 8911/LVIA/9 Landscaping Plan Drawn By RM A3 1: 5,000 PM/Checked by LS Date Created April 2015 Rev - rpsgroup.com O:\8911 Pollington Solar\Tech\Drawings\ dwg

28 APPENDICES rpsgroup.com/uk

29 APPENDIX 1 Indicative 48 Panel Table Layout Plan & Elevations rpsgroup.com/uk

30

31 APPENDIX 2 DNO Control Building Plan & Elevations rpsgroup.com/uk

32

33 APPENDIX 3 Indicative Control Building & Elevations rpsgroup.com/uk

34

35 APPENDIX 4 Indicative Compound Plan and Elevations rpsgroup.com/uk

36

37 APPENDIX 5 Indicative Deer Fence and Gate Details rpsgroup.com/uk

38

39 APPENDIX 6 Typical CCTV Mast Elevation rpsgroup.com/uk

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41 Contact Luke Simpson Senior Planner RPS Planning & Development 20 Western Avenue Milton Park Abingdon Oxon OX14 4SH T: +44 (0) rpsgroup.com