Non-Technical Summary

Transcription

1 1.1.1 Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme January 2018 Non-Technical Summary Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme Land on the Caldicot Levels, South of Llanwern Steel Works, Nr Newport, Wales

2 Project: Client: Gwent Levels Farmer s Community Solar Scheme Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme Ltd Job Number: File Origin: Taunton Document Checking: Prepared by: Nick Beddoe Signed: Checked by: Peter Grubb Signed: Verified by: Peter Grubb Signed: Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme i

3 Contents 1.0 Introduction Scope Development Proposal Description of proposals The Site Site context Traffic and Transport Site Traffic Cultural Heritage Gwent Levels Historic Landscape Ecology Introduction Site Context Assessment of Impacts Mitigation and Enhancements Conclusion Ornithology Introduction Site Context Assessment of Impacts Mitigation and Enhancement Conclusions Landscape and Visual Effects Summary Flood Risk and Water Resources Summary Glint and Glare Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme ii

4 10.1 Summary Noise Summary Additional Assessments Agricultural Land Quality Tree Survey Conclusions Summary Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme iii

5 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Scope An Environmental Statement (ES) Non-Technical Summary has been prepared by Savills UK Ltd on behalf of the Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme Ltd. It was been prepared in support of a planning application, for the construction of a 49.9MW net installed generating capacity solar farm, on the Gwent Levels, Nr Newport. The proposal is classed as a Development of National Significance (DNS) and will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for determination As part of the application, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been required by the European Community Directive 2011/92/EU (as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU) which is implemented into Welsh law through the Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Wales) Regulations This EIA predicts and evaluates the potential effects that the proposed solar energy hub would have on the environment. Measures to avoid or reduce negative impacts have been included where possible. The remaining positive and negative, impacts have been assessed The results of the EIA process are presented in full within the ES and are summarised in this Non- Technical Summary Other relevant legislation and guidance for both the development plan and individual receptors was identified, which has been adhered to throughout the ES. This ensures that the proposal is compliant with planning policy conditions set out in all levels of legislation This report describes the significance of potential impacts caused by the development to the following key aspects identified during scoping: Traffic and Transport; Cultural Heritage; Landscape and Visual Effects; Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 1

6 Ecology and Nature Conservation Ornithology; Flood Risk and Water Resources; and Additional Assessments: Noise Agricultural Land Quality Tree Survey Potential impacts upon Population and Human Health 2.0 Development Proposal 2.1 Description of proposals The development of a renewable energy hub comprising a 49.9MW solar farm (export capacity), 200 battery storage units and associated infrastructure on land at Llanwern on the Gwent Levels. The proposals seek to provide green energy for over 15,000 homes and save over 21,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum The development requires a site of around 345 acres and is spread over six distinct parcels of land which make up the site area. The eastern most part of the site adjoins an elevated pipeline. Figure 1 shows the location and configuration of the site in relation to the nearby settlements and the Whitson sub-station. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 2

7 Figure 1 Site location The proposal is for a ground mounted solar farm with arrays set out in rows and mounted on a framework system which is either screwed or driven in to the ground The proposals include supporting infrastructure and a battery storage area which will allow for the energy captured during the day to be stored and re-used during times when energy is in greater demand, making the most of the energy generated by a renewable source and helping to make the scheme viable and flexible to meet the demands of the grid The grid connection hub is located to the north of the site between two pylon lines approaching the Whitson Sub-station. It will sit alongside the battery storage area and be immediately accessed via a track connecting the site with North Row. The closure of the steel works has resulted in spare capacity on the existing grid infrastructure, which is an unusual position at a time where most grid infrastructure is at capacity. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 3

8 2.1.6 The proposals will be temporary for a period of 30 years after which the site could be returned to its current condition, with a positive legacy of planting and landscape management retained for the benefit of the area Sheep would be grazed between the panels. While providing an additional income for the landowners they also serve to maintain the grassland The proposed development includes supporting infrastructure comprising inverter cabins, transformers, grid connection hub, stock proof fence, CCTV, underground cabling, temporary vehicle tracks, access and landscaping Solar PV panels silently convert sunlight to electrical energy. They generate direct current (DC) that is converted by the inverter hardware to alternating current (AC) that can be used by the electricity grid. PV systems are rated for capacity in watts (or kw or MW) with the designation 'peak' (e.g. kwp, MWp). The peak capacity of individual panels is established by measuring their performance under internationally recognised standard conditions that include temperature and wavelength of sunlight. The actual output of a system will be determined by latitude, local weather and site conditions The proposals would export 49.9 MW of electricity. The export of electricity would be controlled by the inverters. In accordance with guidance outlined by the Solar Trade Association 1 this would offset around 21,208 tonnes of Co2 per annum, and 636,240 tonnes over the life of the scheme. This (conservatively) equates to enough electricity to serve the total power needs of around 15,000 average UK households per annum To put this in perspective, the new community of Glan Llyn (on the former Llanwern steelworks site) is planned to contain 4,000 new homes upon the completion of the redevelopment in Based upon an notional density of 35 dwellings per hectare (which is considered typical for modern housing developments), this would provide enough electricity for a development of 428 hectares. The whole of the former Llanwern steelworks site (shown below in Figure ) covers an area of 415 hectares, demonstrating the sheer capacity of the proposed scheme to provide a substantial amount of renewable energy. 1 Solar Trade Association 2016: Resource Centre - Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 4

9 Figure 2 Area covered by former Llanwern steelworks site The detailed scheme drawing can be viewed in Appendix The Site 3.1 Site context The site is located on agricultural land on the Gwent levels in south Wales and lies within the local plan area for Newport City Council. At a local level, the site lies within the Llanwern ward and the Goldcliff Community Council Boundary The site occupies a distinctively flat area of land to the south of the former Llanwern steelworks site and is shown below in Figure 3. It is split into six distinct parcels of land, lying either side of the settlement of Whitson and there are no buildings within the site boundary There are a number of large pylons on the land that carry cables across the site towards the Magor sub-station. These would facilitate a connection to the electricity grid and are shown below in Figure 4. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 5

10 Figure 3 Photograph of site looking northwards Figure 4 View of site showing electrical pylons Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 6

11 4.0 Traffic and Transport 4.1 Site Traffic A Transport Assessment has been undertaken in the form of a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). This section explains the proposed vehicular access arrangements for the scheme and outlines the proposed mitigation The proposals include the construction of a solar farm on 53 small parcels of land plus a grid connection hub on a separate parcel of land. For clarity, the proposed solar farm has been split into three distinct Areas to explain the access arrangements (see Figure 5): Area A: Three separate western plots of land, comprising of land parcels 39 to 53; Area B: Two separate eastern plots of land, comprising of land parcels 12 to 38; and Area C: Single central plot of land, comprising of land parcels 1 to The ability to access the areas outlined above is due to the land required being in the control of the Gwent Farmers' Community Partnership Limited. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 7

12 Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 8

13 Area A On accessing the northernmost and southernmost plots of land located in Area A, vehicles will be required to cross existing separate culverts, which are likely to be required to be widened / temporary bridge structure put in place. The existing crossings will be tested for their suitability to accommodate construction vehicles prior to any commencement of works on the site, and will be enhanced / modified accordingly. Area B Two separate vehicular access points are proposed to Area B. The eastern access point assumes use of the existing gated track which links North Row to the east of Area B. The western access assumes use of an existing access road which links North Row to the west of Area B. Area C Vehicular access to Area C is proposed to be taken from the unnamed road (to the east of Broad Street Common), via an existing field access over a culvert. The existing culvert is likely to be required to be widened / temporary bridge structure put in place. The existing crossing will be tested for its suitability to accommodate construction vehicles prior to any commencement of works on the site, and will be enhanced / modified accordingly. Management Measures The CTMP has recommended a number of mitigation measures which will be implemented to reduce nuisance during instruction. The full detail of these can be viewed in the CTMP. They include: Weight limits and signage; Construction site signage; Restricted construction hours; Tool box talks and driver awareness; Public information; Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 9

14 Wheel cleaning facilities; Dust Management; and Road condition surveys. 5.0 Cultural Heritage 5.1 Gwent Levels Historic Landscape The site area lies within the Gwent Levels Historic Landscape Area as shown in Figure 6 as designated under the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales The area comprises discrete and extensive areas of alluvial wetlands and intertidal mudflats and represent a 'hand-crafted' landscape having been recurrently inundated and reclaimed from the sea since the Roman period. The areas have distinctive patterns of settlement, enclosure and drainage systems belonging to successive periods of use This Area is further broken down into 21 character areas which reflect the locally distinctive features within the area as shown on Figure 6. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 10

15 Figure 6 Gwent Levels Historic Landscape Area The application site stretches across the Nash and Goldcliff, Porton and Whitson Character areas. These areas are described within the Historic Landscape Character record and are briefly characterised as follows: Nash and Goldcliff: Complex "irregular landscape" in higher coastal area, with small irregular fields, sinuous lanes and dispersed settlement. Porton: Unusual "intermediate" type landscape by the coast. Whitson: Unique, planned village There are a number of listed buildings within close proximity to the site. Whitson Court, a Grade II* property lies centrally between the two sides of the site. The pavilions and garden walls are included within the listing. Whitson Lodge, a grade II listed property also lies centrally between the two sides of the site. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 11

16 5.1.6 Other listed buildings in close proximity to the site are grade II Whitson Farm, grade II barn at Great Newra and grade II Great Newra. Further afield are grade II* Whitson Church, grade II Little Portion Byre, Little Portion Cottage, Samson Court and the Church of St Mary Magdalene Bearing in mind the flat nature of the land between the site and the nearest listed buildings, it is considered that the visual impact upon heritage assets will be minimal A thorough assessment of the impact of the scheme on the historic environment has been undertaken by Savills Heritage team in support of this application. This identifies and evaluates heritage assets within the application site and surrounding study area, and assesses how the scheme might affect these heritage assets. Details relating to this assessment s methodology and findings can be found in the ES Using the professional judgement of the Heritage Consultant and the thorough application of the archaeological assessment and ASIDOHL2 process it has been concluded that whilst there will be some unavoidable short-term moderate to minor adverse effects during the construction phase of the project (largely from noise and increased traffic movements, and potential impacts to buried archaeological deposits), overall the project during its operational phase will have a moderate adverse effect on the value, coherence, legibility and significance of the historic landscape. The preservation by record of any archaeological deposits impacted by the scheme will mitigate any impacts to the archaeological resource where discovered. If no archaeological remains are present then the residual effect of the scheme will be None. 6.0 Ecology 6.1 Introduction This is a non-technical summary of the ecological assessment provided for the proposed 49.9MW Gwent Levels Farmers Community Solar Scheme. 6.2 Site Context The site lies wholly within two Gwent Levels Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The western area of the site lies within the Nash and Goldcliff SSSI whilst the eastern area is located within the Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 12

17 Whitson SSSI The Whitson and the Nash and Goldcliff SSSIs are notified for having three features of special interest as follows: Reen and ditch habitat; Insects and other invertebrates and Shrill Carder Bee The application site also lies to the north of the Severn Estuary which is widely recognised for its environmental importance as reflected by its international designation as a Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar wetlands site. It has been important to consider the potential impact of the proposals on these sites (see also ornithology Chapter 12 of the ES). 6.3 Assessment of Impacts A full suite of ecology surveys have been completed over the period as detailed within the Environmental Statement and appendices. This reporting has assessed the impact of the proposed development upon the range of habitats and species identified within the area. Specific attention has been paid to the assemblage of species for which the two SSSI sites are designated. Other protected species found on site, for example, water vole and bat species have also been considered. 6.4 Mitigation and Enhancements In accordance with pre-application guidance received from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) the scheme proposes to observe buffer zones around the reen habitats on the site. These are; 12.5m from Main Rivers and 7m from field ditches A stock proof fence would be installed at the edge of these buffer zones (solar array areas) that would leave unhindered access for routine reen and ditch management Where reens or ditches have hedgerows on both banks one side will be removed to enable reen and Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 13

18 ditch management to take place; the aim being to improve the SSSI features. Additional hedge planting is proposed near the battery storage units. All mitigation proposed is detailed in the Landscape and Ecology Management Plan (LEMP) During the construction phase, a strategy for the installation of the panels and associated infrastructure will ensure minimal disruption to ecology which will be identified in a Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). 6.5 Conclusion Once operational the proposed development will not create any adverse ecological impacts and will provide ecological enhancements to the benefit of biodiversity. 7.0 Ornithology 7.1 Introduction This is a non-technical summary of the ornithological assessment provided for the proposed 49.9MW Gwent Levels Farmers Community Solar Scheme. 7.2 Site Context The application site lies to the north of the Severn Estuary which is widely recognised for its importance to wintering birds as reflected by its international designation as a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar wetlands site. Given their significance and their proximity to the site, it has been important to consider the potential impact of the proposals on these sites. 7.3 Assessment of Impacts Two years of bird surveys have been undertaken during and covering wintering and breeding seasons. The associated reports have assessed the impact of the proposed development upon the range of bird species identified within the area. Because of the close proximity of the Severn Estuary SPA and Ramsar Site, specific attention has been paid to the species associated with these sites. These are mainly wintering populations of wading birds and water fowl, which could potentially use the application area for roosting or foraging at high tide. In 2016 a pair of common cranes started to breed on a private site close to the application area, this is the first time Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 14

19 cranes have bred in Wales for 400 years, so additional survey effort was undertaken to monitor these and their use of the application area. Lapwing are of particular importance due to their current low breeding status in Wales and decline across the UK generally SPA and Ramsar qualifying species were not found to be using the site at high tide during the winter months in any significant numbers. During the breeding season most species were confined to hedgerows and reens. Lapwing was found to be breeding (with limited success) in a low number of fields within the application area and surrounding area. The pair of cranes was found to be using fields close to the site as a nursery area and other fields in the area for foraging; and although the pair hatched two young in 2017 they did not survive and were presumed to have been predated. 7.4 Mitigation and Enhancement A number of land management measures are being proposed which will benefit birds, including 25 hectares of nearby land which will be managed for breeding lapwing. During the construction phase, timing of works has been targeted to avoid the core breeding bird season including sensitive times in the crane breeding period. Grassland habitats will be protected from vehicle damage using aluminium trackways. A programme of post-construction bird monitoring will also be introduced. Mitigation measures are detailed in the Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP). 7.5 Conclusions Overall the impacts of the solar farm on birds are predicted to be minimal and habitat will be enhanced for species associated with reens and ditches and field margins. The loss of some fields used by breeding lapwing will be compensated for by the provision of a larger area of specifically managed fields for this species. 8.0 Landscape and Visual Effects 8.1 Summary The site lies on the Gwent Levels and within the Caldicot Levels Special Landscape Area as designated under the Newport Local Development Plan. Policy CE10 (Renewable Energy) of the plan sets out the relevant policy tests against which proposals for renewable energy schemes in these areas must be assessed. Paragraph 4.51 of the supporting text to this policy explains that: Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 15

20 Proposals which affect the special qualities of the Gwent Levels, or any other protected site, will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that there will be no significant adverse effects The site lies approximately at sea level, is extremely flat and is not overlooked by rising topography in the immediate vicinity. In England, the siting of large-scale solar farms is addressed within the National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG). This guidance favours flat sites over undulating landscapes due to the lower level of visual impact that arises in such locations (Paragraph: 013 Reference ID: ) Furthermore, the existing trees, hedge lines and vegetation will provide a significant degree of screening to the installed panels and associated infrastructure. In light of the topography of the site and the surrounding area, the visual impact of the proposed development is very limited A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been prepared and accompanies the submission of this application. This has identified and assessed the likely effects on the landscape of the proposed development. Overall, this report has concluded that: The proposed development would not have any major adverse effects on either landscape character, or visual receptors More specifically, the impact of the proposals are assessed to reduce with increased proximity from the site as follows: The development would result in a moderate adverse impact on the immediate rural character of the site context Between approximately m away there will be reduced impact to minor adverse as the changes are restricted by the flat landscape, and the well vegetated nature of the reens surrounding the site boundaries In the wider landscape the change would be negligible as views of any part of the development are limited or obscured from more than 500m away The development of the site is considered to have a negligible impact on the landscape setting of the Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest and the corresponding Special Landscape Area as the Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 16

21 development is not a widely perceptible element from within the wider landscape. Impacts on listed buildings and scheduled monuments are considered to be none The conclusions demonstrate that if the proposed development is implemented there will be no significant adverse effects upon the special qualities of the Gwent Levels area. It follows that the proposals satisfy the requirements of Policy CE10 and are acceptable in planning terms. 9.0 Flood Risk and Water Resources 9.1 Summary Technical Advice Note 15 (TAN 15) provides the relevant guidance on flood risk in relation to these proposals. The site is located within Flood Zone C1 In accordance with the categories set out within this document. This means that it sits within an area of the floodplain which is developed and served by significant infrastructure, including flood defences. This designation is used to indicate that development can take place subject to it passing the justification test, including acceptability of consequences To this end a Flood Consequences Assessment (FCA) has been prepared which considers the impact of the proposed development on hydrology in the area. The document also details the specific mitigation measures which would be incorporated in association with the built infrastructure including solar panels, battery storage units and ancillary equipment With regards to the installation of the solar panels (which make up the bulk of the proposed development), these will be individually spaced to allow thermal expansion and more even dispersal of rainwater The proposal would bring an end to arable farming, intense grazing and soil compaction by animals and machinery. In turn, grassland would flourish, resulting in improved water quality due to the reduction in silt runoff and the elimination of fertilizers and pesticides The FCA report identifies specific changes brought about through the proposals which will affect surface water drainage. These include: Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 17

22 Reduced grazing intensity Reduced use of machinery on the land No harvesting, or seeding of new crop Longer grass and increased biodiversity in vegetation on site, particularly in buffer zone areas adjacent to reens and ditches The consequences of these changes have been assessed within the report and the following conclusions have been drawn: Soil compaction will be reduced resulting in an overall improvement in the soil condition and more natural management of surface water More uniform management of surface water The fields will be better able to naturally manage rainfall Consequently the report has concluded that the proposed development will: be safe for people and property, and in conclusion the proposed change of use will provide a real contribution to soil characteristics and biodiversity, and allow a more manageable approach to the control of the reens through the seasons bringing significant overall benefits to the environment and complying with the guidance given in TAN 15 and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan Glint and Glare 10.1 Summary Within the relevant planning policy context in Wales, the only specific reference to glint and glare can be found in the supporting text of Policy CE10 of the Newport City Local Development Plan, where it is explained that: The potential for reflective glint and glare will need to be explored as well as potential ecological and visual impacts from installation techniques such as cable trenches and the removal of Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 18

23 hedgerows English planning guidance set out within the NPPG outlines the factors which should be considered in the assessment of proposals for solar farm development, including the visual impact, the effect on landscape of glint and glare and on neighbouring uses and aircraft safety A technical assessment of glint and glare resulting from the proposals was undertaken by qualified consultants Pager Power Whilst guidelines exist within the UK (produced by the Civil Aviation Authority) and in the USA (produced by the Federal Aviation Administration) with respect to solar developments and aviation activity, the assessment was completed in accordance with Pager Power s own methodology which is based on compiled guidance from these sources, industry experience and consultation with the relevant bodies Under this methodology the solar development area is defined, as well as the relevant receptor locations. A basic geometric assessment is then undertaken in order to determine whether a reflection can occur, and if so, at what time it will occur. A more detailed assessment is then undertaken to determine whether any significant effects would arise, based upon a range of criteria including the duration and nature of the impact and the presence of any mitigating factors such as visual screening Through this assessment it is possible to determine whether a significant detrimental impact is expected in accordance with the methodology Based upon the geometric assessment, it was determined that potential glint and glare effects could occur at 24 dwellings and at 10 possible locations on nearby roads However, through the subsequent detailed assessment It was determined that the nature of these effects would be reduced due to a range of mitigating factors. Consequently, it was considered that only a low significance of effect would occur in respect of all identified receptors No significant impacts are predicted to effect either dwellings or roads within the vicinity of the proposed development. The site is not located within any flight path and therefore there would be no significant effects on aviation. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 19

24 11.0 Noise 11.1 Summary Technical Advice Note (Wales) 11 refers to Noise impacts and outlines the main considerations which local planning authorities should take into account when assessing the noise impacts resulting from development proposals. The Note refers to assessment guidance set out in BS 4142:1990 and the general guidance general guidance on acceptable noise levels provided in BS 8233: A noise assessment of the significant affects associated with the proposed development was undertaken by Acoustic Consultants Ltd. The assessment was completed in accordance with British Standard 4142:2014 entitled Method for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound was published on the 31st October This is the most up-to-date and relevant guidance to the assessment of noise impacts for this type of development and was considered more suitable for use than the guidance referred to in TAN Baseline site noise monitoring was undertaken between 14 th and 17 th December 2017 at three locations considered to be representative of the noise sensitive locations in the vicinity of the development To demonstrate the feasibility of compliance with proposed noise limits noise modelling was undertaken to predict the noise impact based on data gathered from existing Solar Farm installations Based on the noise predictions undertaken with plant noise emission determined from previous similar sites it is expected that the British Standard 4142:2014 assessment difference will be no more than -4 db. As such it is an indication that noise from the plant will be of low impact on the noise-sensitive receivers in the area and the proposals will not have any significant impact on nearby noise sensitive receptors On the basis of the above assessment and with a suitable noise limiting condition imposed on the scheme noise can be controlled to acceptable levels and will have no adverse impact upon residential properties. It follows that there will be no residual impacts resulting from the scheme. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 20

25 12.0 Additional Assessments 12.1 Agricultural Land Quality Having conducted a survey of the land and consulted with the Soil Research Department in Welsh Government, it is considered that the land is classified as grade 3b to 5 on the Agricultural Land Classification Map of England and Wales. As such, the site is not considered to comprise best and most versatile agricultural land Tree Survey An Arboricultural Impact Assessment in accordance with the guidance set out in BS5837 (2012) Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction, Recommendations was undertaken for the proposed development All of the trees recommended for retention in the Tree Survey Schedule and on the Tree Survey Plan (see ES) can be protected for the duration of demolition and construction in accordance with current best practice guidance set out in BS 5837 (2012). In this regard, the Tree Constraints Plan and Arboricultural Method Statement provide further details of proposed working methodology and protection measures Conclusions 13.1 Summary This Non-Technical Summary supports a planning application made under the Developments of National Significance regime for a solar energy hub and associated infrastructure on land on the Gwent Levels in south Wales. The site extends to circa 345 acres of grade 3b and 4 agricultural land and the development will produce around 49MW of renewable electricity The proposal is sustainable in terms of the environmental, economic and social strands of sustainability set out in Planning Policy Wales It is demonstrated that the proposals wholly comply with planning policies at national and local levels. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 21

26 The proposals bring about numerous and significant environmental, economic and social benefits without giving rise to any unacceptable harm. Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme 22

27 Savills (UK) Ltd York House, Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton, TA1 2PX t f e taunton@savills.com