SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CAPABILITY STATEMENT

Transcription

1 Pegasus Group SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CAPABILITY STATEMENT

2 Contents PAGE 3 PAGE 5 PAGE 9 PAGE INTRODUCTION ENERGY SECTORS OUR SERVICES PLANNING PAGE 17 PAGE PAGE 25 7 PAGE 29 8 LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT RESIDENTIAL AMENITY STUDIES FEASIBILITY STUDIES PAGE 33 9 PAGE PAGE PAGE PUBLIC CONSULTATION & EXHIBITIONS VISUALISATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS PLANNING APPEALS & EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES PAGE PAGE CLIENTS OFFICE LOCATIONS & CONTACTS 2 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

3 Introduction Pegasus Group Ltd is an independent planning and environmental consultancy with considerable experience in the renewable energy industry. We have over 250 members of staff throughout the UK. We offer a national coverage to the energy industry out of eight offices. We are a focussed team of professionals committed to securing success for our clients. Our service combines the personal commitment of our staff with the best of modern practices and resources. We provide independent advice in all sectors of planning for the development industry, including the energy sector. Pegasus Group is a corporate member of Renewable UK, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), the Landscape Institute (LI) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). As of February 2014, we have been responsible for securing in excess of 300 consented solar developments, with a further 300 currently in planning. Manchester Leeds Pegasus has considerable experience in a wide range of projects within the renewable energy sector, ranging from photovoltaic / solar parks, onshore and offshore wind farms to biomass power plants, and anaerobic digestion facilities. Our core areas of expertise in the renewable energy sector are: Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), Environmental Planning, and Project Management. East Midlands Birmingham Cirencester Bristol Bracknell Cambridge Our senior members of staff are some of the most highly respected experts in the fields of Planning, EIA, and LVIA and regularly appear as expert witnesses at pubic inquiries, examinations in public and high court appeals. Member 2014 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 3

4

5 Energy Sectors 02 Planning and Environmental Services for the Energy Industry 5

6 Photograph : Lilly Anderson 6 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

7 Energy Sectors Planning and Environmental Services for the Energy Industry. Pegasus has considerable experience in a wide range of projects within the renewable energy sector, with particular emphasis on solar parks. We also specialise in wind energy (on and off shore), biomass schemes and anaerobic digestion facilities. We can offer a wide range of advice in relation to all forms of renewable energy development including: Solar Power Onshore Wind Offshore Wind Bio-energy Biomass Geothermal Tidal Power Wave Energy Energy from Waste Anaerobic Digestion Hydro Power Microgeneration (domestic) Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 7

8

9 Our Services 03 Planning Landscape Environmental Impact Assessment Solar Glare Residential Amenity Studies Feasibility Studies Public Consultation Visualisations Environmental Management Plans Expert Witness Services 9

10 Spaldington Common Windfarm Planning Statement November Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

11 Our Services Our services to the Solar sector fall under three general headings - Planning Services, Environmental Planning Services & Landscape Pegasus offers a comprehensive planning and environmental service to the renewable energy industry ranging from initial feasibility studies to post determination negotiation and discharge of planning conditions. Planning Services include: Site Appraisals and pre-planning Feasibility Studies Planning Applications Supporting Planning Statements Design and Access Statements Development Plan Representation Negotiation with Local Planning Authorities Stakeholder Negotiation Public Consultation and Exhibitions Statements of Community Involvement Discharge of Planning Conditions Appeal Representation Expert Witness Environmental Planning Services include: Environmental options appraisals Environmental Project Management Liaison with and management of a multidisciplinary team Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) EIA Screening EIA Scoping Production of Environmental Statements (ES) ES Auditing Environmental Management Plans GIS and graphics Landscape Services include: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) Residential Visual Amenity Studies Appraisal of Landscape Setting Issues Landscape Character Assessment Landscape Capacity Studies Cumulative Impact Assessment Zone of Theoretical Visibility plans (ZTVs) Visualisations Landscape Management Plans Detailed Planting Proposals Tree Surveys Arboricultural Impact Assessments Appeal Representation Expert Witness Further details of our key services are discussed in the following sections. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 11

12 12 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

13 Planning 04 Planning is a key element to the success of a proposal. We are well placed to prepare robust applications and deliver results. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 13

14 14 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

15 Planning Planning is a key element to the success of a proposal. We are well placed to prepare robust applications and deliver results. Pegasus Group s proactive and client orientated approach to projects has a proved track record of achieving results. We can manage the entire planning process from initial pre-application discussions with the local planning authority, to the preparation and undertaking of public consultation, through to the submission and determination of an application. As part of our service we produce detailed Planning Statements that set out the merits of the case in assessment against relevant Development Plan Policies and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). We also provide planning input into EIA, produce Design and Access Statements and Statements of Community Involvement that further demonstrate the suitability of a scheme. Pegasus brings considerable experience in the negotiation of planning conditions and legal agreements as well as providing an Expert Witness service at Appeal. Our planning services, in conjunction with our landscape and EIA capabilities, also include the provision of pre-planning feasibility assessments that assist in identifying a planning strategy at an early stage for solar schemes. We can also coordinate other consultants, expert in their particular discipline, to assist in the production of such assessments and planning applications. Another key element to our work is understanding the changing nature of planning policy at the National and Local level. We regularly advise clients upon the implications of emerging planning policy documents, at all levels, and provide representations on their behalf to promote policies that are favourable to solar PV developments. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 15

16 16 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

17 Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment 05 Almost every solar development requires a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 17 17

18 Photograph : Lilly Anderson 18 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

19 Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment Almost every solar development requires a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) irrespective of whether the project requires an Environmental Statement (ES) under the EIA Regulations or not. Pegasus Group is experienced in a wide range of LVIA techniques for use in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and undertake the LVIA in accordance with best practice guidance including: The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 3rd Edition (2013), Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment The Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (2004), Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment Guidelines for Landscape Character Assessment (2002), Countryside Agency and SNH. There are three stages involved in an LVIA: Baseline Studies, Design Iteration and Scheme Assessment. Following initial desk studies and site visits, Pegasus will typically advise a client on any design iteration opportunities to improve the layout of a scheme before completing the assessment. This advice is tailored towards creating a scheme that stands the best chance of being acceptable to determining authorities by offering a suitable layout with mitigation landscaping where required. LVIA will usually include a suite of graphics including Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) maps and visualisations. Pegasus prepare all graphics in house to the highest standards to ensure that all material presented is clear, legible and relevant to the project. Pegasus has undertaken numerous LVIAs for solar developments across the UK and has a number of highly experienced landscape architects forming part of the team. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 19

20 20 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

21 Environmental Impact Assessment 06 The European Union Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive requires an EIA to be completed in support of an application for development of certain types of project, including some solar PV projects. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 21

22 22 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

23 Environmental Impact Assessment The European Union Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive requires an EIA to be completed in support of an application for development of certain types of project, including some solar PV projects. The European Union Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive requires an EIA to be completed in support of an application for certain types of development, including some solar PV projects. Pegasus would always seek to avoid an EIA through the Screening process with the Local Planning Authority. However if an EIA is deemed to be required, we have considerable experience in the administration, coordination and management of EIAs and the production of Environmental Statements (ES) for solar developments. We are able to manage the whole EIA process, from initial Screening and Scoping through to the submission of an Environmental Statement and the provision of post submission support. Specialist EIA consultants are based at our offices in Cirencester and Leeds and provide a comprehensive national service for the preparation of Environmental Statements. With many years experience of coordinating EIAs, we have developed strong working relationships with several well respected sub-consultants, many of whom specialise in the energy industry. If required, Pegasus can bring together a team of technical specialists to work on an EIA. Alternatively we can work with the clients preferred sub consultants. Pegasus offers the following services which are typically required to undertake an EIA: Project management Screening Scoping Stakeholder Consultation Preparation of an Environmental Statement Public Exhibitions and Consultation GIS Data Management ES Audits Expert Witness Services Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 23

24 24 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

25 Residential Amenity Studies 07 The potential impacts of solar energy development on residential amenity are key issues which must be considered. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 25

26 26 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

27 Residential Amenity Studies The potential impacts of solar energy development on residential amenity are key issues which must be considered. Many appeals hinge on being able to demonstrate that impacts on residential amenity are not unacceptable or overbearing. Whilst matters relating to environmental issues such as solar glare or flood risk are relatively clear cut (where effects can be quantified), determining the significance of visual effects on residential amenity is rather more complex. Having developed a strong and defensible methodology for assessing impacts on residential amenity, Pegasus has been commissioned by several clients to prepare Residential Amenity Studies (RASs) either as standalone documents to support evidence at appeal, or as part of the EIA process. Pegasus has undertaken extensive review and analysis of recent Planning Inspectors decisions and can draw upon this information to inform our conclusions within the RASs. Recognising the key precedents in recent decisions and understanding the particular circumstances relating to each case is fundamental and the key to preparing a successful case in support of any solar energy proposals where this is likely to be an issue. Pegasus has prepared a paper providing further information on this topic which is available by request. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 27

28 28 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

29 Feasibility Studies 08 Early identification of planning and environmental issues should be a fundamental part any developer s site appraisal process. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 29 Photograph : joanna8555

30 30 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

31 Feasibility Studies Early identification of planning and environmental issues should be a fundamental part any developer s site appraisal process. The value of a robust pre-application feasibility study cannot be underestimated. Pre-planning advice from Pegasus can save a client considerable time and money by identifying any constraints to development before any significant investment is expended on a site. Pegasus can review current policy at a local scale and analyse recent planning decisions to advice on the risks associated with any new solar development. A review of any landscape character assessments of renewable energy landscape capacity studies can also be undertaken as these are often misunderstood documents that hold considerable weight in the planning process. We can advise on potential environmental issues to determine whether these are likely to be a significant constraint or whether these are issues that can be overcome through careful design. Our input can assist clients to develop realist proposals which are appropriate the context in which they are proposed and hence maximise a schemes chance of obtaining consent. If required, Pegasus can hold pre-planning meetings with the determining authority and statutory consultees to ascertain their in principle position in relation to the proposed development. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 31

32 32 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

33 Public Consultation & Exhibitions 09 Public consultation has emerged as an integral part of the planning process for solar energy schemes. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 33

34 34 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

35 Public Consultation & Exhibitions Public Consultation has emerged as an integral part of the planning process for solar energy schemes. Pegasus brings extensive experience in the coordination, preparation and running of the public consultation process. We have developed a robust system to engage with local communities and other key stakeholders, either through exhibitions, web sites, newsletters or face-to-face meetings. Such approaches have been well received by Local Planning Authorities who seek to promote such consultation prior to the submission of an application indeed many Authorities now request Public Consultation as a validation requirement of planning submissions. The whole process is centred on creating understanding and support for solar proposals, thus informing those with an interest of the merits of the scheme in a transparent manner. We proactively seek responses to the consultation process and this feedback in incorporated into a Statement of Community Consultation which subsequently forms part of the planning application, highlighting support for the proposals. This statement is also a useful vehicle to guide developers on the local benefits that could be offered in support of the scheme to encourage local ownership of the proposals. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 35

36 36 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

37 Visualisations 10 A common requirement of the EIA process for solar and wind farm applications is the production of visualisations which need to be technically accurate and professionally presented. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 37 Photograph : Oregondot

38 38 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

39 Visualisations A common requirement of the planning process for solar schemes is the production of visualisations which need to be technically accurate and professionally presented. Pegasus prepare visualisations in accordance with current best practice guidelines including Visual Representation of Windfarms Good Practice Guidance (2006), Scottish Natural Heritage, which is applicable to most types of development. Pegasus negotiates the selection or representative viewpoints with statutory consultees and always use professional judgement on site to ensure that the photographs are taken in the most appropriate locations. As well as providing visualisations for Landscape and Visual Impacts Assessments, Pegasus can provide visualisations to support Cultural Heritage Assessments, Driver Distraction Studies, Residential Amenity Studies, and public exhibitions. The basis of a good visualisation is great photography. Our landscape architects are all trained in taking professional quality photographs and have access to the highest quality photographic equipment. Pegasus use the latest software to produce wireframes and photomontages which illustrate the PV panels correctly positioned, to scale, and rendered appropriately in relation to the prevailing light conditions at the time the photographs were taken. All our visualisations are presented within the recognised acceptable viewing distances set out in published guidance. Our dedicated graphics team also produce all other graphics necessary for a solar energy development application. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 39

40 40 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

41 Environmental Management Plans 11 Environmental Management Plans offer opportunities for the stakeholder to identify their aspirations for the development. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 41 Photograph : joanna8555

42 South West Solar Farm Environmental Management Plan Prepared by Pegasus Environmental 42 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

43 Environmental Management Plans Environmental Management Plans offer opportunities for the stakeholder to identify their aspirations for the development and provides a mechanism for on the ground implementation, environmental enhancement and management of the site. Pegasus has vast experience in producing Environmental Management Plans in conjunction with planning applications. An EMP provides a platform to properly engage with statutory consultees and local stakeholders prior to the submission of a planning application. of landscape features to reinforce landscape character or even reinstate historic landscape features such as hedgerows and trees that have been removed in recent decades. It can also address matters to do with public rights of way: bridleways, public footpaths, way marking and signposts, and other related aspects. Pegasus has found that this exercise develops support from consultees as they can see the benefits that would low from the project, which leads to community support. The real value in bringing an EMP forward is to enable a good story to be told in terms of net beneficial effects as well as addressing matters of mitigation. An EMP addresses green infrastructure in its broadest sense, addressing matters related to visual amenity, enhancement The introduction of landscape features provides the opportunity to create new habitats for both flora and fauna, given that indigenous native species are used for trees and shrubs. Human amenity and biodiversity can be enhanced through measures introduced as part of the EMP. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 43

44 44 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

45 Planning Appeals & Expert Witness Services 12 Pegasus demonstrates a strong record in achieving panning permission for solar schemes. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 45

46 46 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

47 Planning Appeals & Expert Witness Services Pegasus demonstrates a strong record in achieving planning permission for solar schemes, nevertheless as solar PV developments become more common, it is likely that some schemes will go to Appeal. Whilst we recognise that this is frustrating for all concerned, Pegasus is well placed to provide our expertise in this scenario. ~ REF. We can undertake all levels of the appeal 5000 TYP. ALL-ROUND CLEARANCE procedure. In whatever form an appeal is to take, we can provide a diligent service to coordinate the process and to provide detailed 5000 TYP. ACCESS ROAD and robust supporting documentation. ~ REF. Where appeals are to be determined through Public Inquiry, we can provide highly ~ REF. A experienced expert witness services for planning and landscape issues TYP. 10 TYP SUN ANGLE BP3230 MODULES IN PORTRAIT ORIENTATION 7853 REF REF. DETAIL C TYP. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

48 48 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

49 Clients 13 Pegasus is currently commissioned on a wide range of solar PV schemes from 500kW up to 45MW. Our projects are located throughout the United Kingdom. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 49 Photograph : JJreade

50 50 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

51 Clients Pegasus is currently commissioned on a wide range of solar PV schemes from 500kW up to 45MW. Our projects are located throughout the United Kingdom. Our clients include: Aark Renewables Limited Abbey Group Allied Renewables Barrington Energy Group Camborne Energy Cetis Limited Eco Energy World Emotion Energy Emsrayne Ltd Freetricity Good Energy Haymaker Energy Hemex LLP Hive Energy Limited Inazin INRG Lightsource Renewable Energy Lumicity Norton Energy Solutions OPDE RGE Energy Steadfast Solar Sun Edison Susenco Wirsol Solar Wadswick Energy Warwick Energy York Green Renewables Ikaros Solar Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 51

52

53 Office Locations & Contacts 14 The key contacts at Pegasus for renewable energy projects are Andrew Cook, Paul Burrell and Alison Smith. A brief profile for each contact is provided in this section. Full CVs are available on request 53

54 Key Personnel Andrew Cook BA (Hons), MLD, CMLI, MIEMA, CEnv, MID Director (Environmental) Landscape Architect and Environmental Planner Andrew is a Director in Pegasus Group and heads the environmental planning division of the practice. On a daily basis, he has responsibility for overseeing many Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects as well as preparing and presenting expert evidence at Public Inquiries. Andrew sits on the Onshore Strategy Group and Medium Wind Steering Group for Renewable UK to advise on environmental planning strategy. Andrew is thoroughly familiar with landscape and environmental impact assessment methodologies as they relate to European and British environmental protection legislation in relation to the renewable energy sector. Andrew frequently advises on strategy for EIAs for major infrastructure projects including wind farm developments. Involved from the outset, Andrew co-ordinates the commissioning of multi-disciplinary teams of consultants and undertakes scoping exercises, liaising with relevant competent authorities. He is involved at all stages of such projects, as well as undertaking landscape and visual assessments and co-ordinating the contributions of other consultants. As an experienced expert witness, Andrew is regularly involved in the preparation of cases relating to environmental planning and design issues for written representations, Local Plan Inquiries and Section 78 Appeals. Andrew has undertaken numerous landscape and visual assessments, including landscape character assessments and land-use mapping, vegetation surveys and visibility studies and environmental capacity studies for all scales of wind energy development. Renewable UK Consultation - Andrew is frequently requested to assist Renewable UK in submitting responses to draft legislation and guidance. Andrew along with his colleague Brian Denney, undertake the quality control and peer review of all major EIA projects produced by Pegasus Group. 54 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

55 Paul Burrell (Director) Planning BA (Hons), Dip UP, MRTPI Paul started his career in the public sector working for both County and District planning authorities, principally dealing with development control matters before joining Pegasus Group in Paul is currently advising on a number of renewable energy projects, including planning issues and strategies for promoting wind farm schemes across the UK. Paul is also providing advice for numerous small and medium scale wind turbine proposals nationwide. He has informed RenewableUK policy responses on various planning consultation documents and was a principal author of the recently published RenewableUK Small Wind Planning Guidance. He has acted as an expert witness in numerous public inquiries, as well being involved in written representations and examination hearings. He is also experienced in strategic planning, development control and Environmental Impact Assessment. He is a key project team member on a number of urban extension proposals throughout Southern England, which has included the Western Expansion Area at Milton Keynes, proposals to the north of Gloucester in Green Belt and also at Towcester in South Northamptonshire. Paul has been closely involved in co-ordinating the Upper Heyford new settlement project in Oxfordshire and has secured planning permission for a commercial redevelopment of the Shipton Quarry site, within the Green Belt in Oxfordshire. Paul has also advised the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency on options for the future of the Berkeley Power Station site in Gloucestershire. He has led various community consultation exercises to inform preparation of planning applications, development briefs and masterplans. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 55

56 Alison Smith (Associate) Landscape Architect / Environmental Planner BA (Hons), Dip LA, Dip EAM, MIEMA, CMLI, CEnv Alison Smith is an Associate based in our Cirencester office. Alison is a Chartered Environmental Practitioner and Chartered Landscape Architect with over 20 years private sector experience and expertise in the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) and landscape design. She has a wide range of environmental and landscape planning experience. Before moving to the private sector, Alison worked for 6 years in the public sector as a Civil Engineering Technician. Alison is experienced in project managing EIA and non-eia applications for renewable energy including single and multiple-turbine onshore wind farms, solar parks, Energy from Waste facilities, and Anaerobic Digestion plants for both greenfield and redevelopment sites. Alison is also accomplished in the preparation of specialist landscape, townscape and visual impact assessments for EIAs and stand-alone studies and has provided expert witness services at Inquiry and Informal Hearings. Her skills in project management and the co-ordination of multidisciplinary teams have been used in the preparation of numerous Environmental Statements. This includes advice and consultancy to a wide range of clients on the EIA process from legislation, screening, scoping of environmental studies and EIA team assembly through to statutory consultee and public liaison, Environmental Statement presentation, statutory publication procedures, and ES audit. Alison is fully conversant with European and UK guidelines relating to the preparation of EIAs. 56 Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement

57 Locations & Contact Information BIRMINGHAM BRACKNELL BRISTOL CAMBRIDGE 5 The Priory, Old London Road, Canwell, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5SH Abbey House, Grenville Place, Bracknell, RG12 1BP First Floor, South Wing, Equinox North, Great Park Road, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4QL 3 Pioneer Court, Chivers Way, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9PT T F T F T F T F CIRENCESTER EAST MIDLANDS LEEDS MANCHESTER Pegasus House, Querns Business Centre, Whitworth Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1RT 4 The Courtyard, Church Street, Lockington, Derbyshire, DE74 2SL Pavilion Court, Green Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2AF Barnett House, 53 Fountain Street, Manchester, M2 2AN T F T F T F T F PLANNING ENVIRONMENTAL URBAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE DESIGN RENEWABLE RETAIL GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTATION SUSTAINABILITY Solar Photovoltaic Energy Capability Statement 57

58 Pegasus Group Pegasus Group is the trading name of Pegasus Group Limited, Registered in England and Wales under number Registered Office: Pegasus House, Querns Business Centre, Whitworth Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1RT PLANNING ENVIRONMENTAL URBAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE DESIGN RENEWABLE RETAIL GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTATION SUSTAINABILITY COPYRIGHT The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Pegasus Group. Crown copyright. All rights reserved, Licence number