Introduction NTS1 is applying to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) for planning permission to develop a 5 mega watt (MW) solar farm at land at, Draycott Cross, Cheadle (see figure NTS1 for location plan). NTS2 is a Wiltshire based company founded in 2013 to develop solar farms across the UK. Solstice Renewables has a strong track record of developing solar parks and works closely with local communities. NTS3 The proposed development site is approximately 12 hectares (ha) in size, covering part of two large fields in the estate, to the south west of Cheadle. Agricultural fields border the application site, with the construction access provided through the existing farm track from Cheadle Road as shown in figure NTS1. NTS4 The solar farm will be connected to the national grid via an underground cable to the nearest connection point, which is within the farm estate and identified on figure NTS1. The application site (identified by the red line) includes construction access, temporary construction compound and the grid connection route, in addition to the proposed solar farm site itself. NTS5 In addition to the introduction of solar panels, sheep will graze the land and species rich grassland will increase local biodiversity. The lifespan of the scheme is approximately 25 years, as is typical for small solar farm developments. Once electrical generation ceases, the solar farm will be decommissioned, with the removal of all above ground structures and underground cabling and the land can revert to full agricultural production. The layout of the scheme is shown in figure NTS2. NTS6 The proposed development falls within schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (as amended), hereafter referred to as the EIA Regulations. The screening opinion returned by SMDC advised that the location, scale and nature of the development proposal meant there was the potential for significant landscape and visual effects, which have been taken as an indication of what this ES should cover (its scope). Therefore the proposed development is considered to be an environmental impact assessment (EIA) development under the EIA Regulations. This environmental statement (ES) has been prepared to accompany the planning application. NTS7 The ES reports the outcome of the EIA undertaken in respect of the proposed development. This non-technical summary (NTS) summarises the information contained in this ES. As required by the EIA Regulations the ES: Describes the proposals and the area surrounding the proposed development site Describes the existing environmental conditions in the area of the proposed development site Draws conclusions about the effects that the proposals may have on the environment NTS-1
Explains the measures that Care Ashore and Thakeham Homes Ltd have adopted or intend to adopt in order to mitigate any significant identified adverse environmental effects NTS8 A planning design and access statement (PDAS) and Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) have also been prepared to accompany the planning application. These documents explain the need for the scheme, the detailed planning proposals, the design of the scheme, policy appraisal and the consultation that has been undertaken. The following technical documents have also been prepared and are submitted with the planning application: A heritage statement Flood risk assessment Construction traffic management plan Ecological assessment Arboricultural impact assessment NTS9 The EIA screening opinion confirmed that it was not necessary to include consideration of these issues in the ES. Description of the site and surrounding area NTS10 The site comprises approximately 12 hectares (ha) of agricultural (arable) land covering part of two large arable fields in the s estate to the south west of the town of Cheadle. NTS11 The site is bounded by hedgerows, and scattered mature trees on all but the northern boundary, where there is no existing boundary feature. There are no public rights of way on or immediately adjacent to the site. NTS12 The site lies south of the hamlet of Boundary and Commonside and west of Draycott Cross, south of The Common and east of the A251. The site is approximately 0.9km east of the settlement of Forsbrook and approximately 2.5km south west of the town of Cheadle. Immediately to the west and south of the site lies agricultural land primarily in pasture with further fields in arable use and the buildings at to the east. Environmental constraints are shown on figure NTS3. NTS13 The estate lies within the green belt. The immediate locality of the site is predominantly rural in character comprising farmland and woodland blocks. The village of Forsbrook and Cheadle town add an urban influence to the district. The site is approximately 5.5km south east of Hurn Quarry Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and 3km south west of Cecilly Brook Local Nature Reserve (LNR). NTS14 There is a scheduled monument (SM) (a Bronze Age burial mound) approximately 1km north of the site. farmhouse, approximately 50m to the east, is a grade II listed building. There are two grade II listed buildings within or in relatively close proximity to the farm estate and to the proposed development site: The house is within the farm estate (approximately 50m to the east); Callow Hill Farmhouse is approximately 1km to the north of the proposed development site. NTS15 The topography of the site slopes gently from approximately 200m above ordnance datum (AOD) in the north to 190m AOD in the south. NTS-2
NTS16 Land use within the area local to the site is predominantly a mixture of pasture and arable land. Fields are small to medium in size divided by clipped hedgerows that are generally well-maintained and mature trees. The site itself is currently in agricultural (arable) use. There are a number of high voltage electricity pylons throughout the study area that generally run south east to north west. A single wind turbine lies to the north of to the north east of the site. NTS17 There are no statutory landscape designations within the site The proposed development NTS18 The proposed Fields Solar Farm will provide a peak output of up to 5MW of electricity at the point of connection to the electrical network. It will occupy a site of approximately 12 hectares, south west of Cheadle (the layout is shown in figure NTS2). NTS19 The scheme will provide a peak output of approximately 5MW of electricity, which, based on information from the Solar Trade Association, has the potential to meet the equivalent energy demands of approximately 1,515 households and to provide a carbon saving of approximately 2,150 tonnes CO 2. NTS20 The proposal will take up to 3 months to build out and will have a life-span of 25 years. NTS21 A fixed system of solar panels will be used, with panels being mounted on metal framework that will be driven straight into the ground (to minimise impact on the site) with an approximate height of 2.5m. The rows of panels will face the south and be approximately 4.4m apart. The solar panels will be dark grey/black in colour and have a non-reflective coating to maximise efficiency and minimise the potential for sunlight to reflect off the panels (glint and glare). NTS22 The site access will be via the existing farm access from Cheadle Road. Some minor improvements to the existing farm track will be needed to accommodate the largest delivery vehicle. NTS23 The proposal includes the necessary electrical infrastructure to enable to solar farm to be connected to the grid. This includes three prefabricated 1 cabins (7.74m long, 1.05m wide and 2.95m in height) containing electrical equipment (inverters), three prefabricated cabins (2.3m long x 1.7m wide x 2.2m high) containing electrical equipment (switchgear) and three transformers (4.7m long x 5.3m wide x 2.3m high) (to change the electricity generated by the panels (direct current) into a form that can be exported (alternating current at a higher voltage). NTS24 The sub-station is formed of two prefabricated buildings, one is for the site itself (2.85m) (gathering together all electricity generated) the second (at a height of 3.3m) is for the company who operates the local electrical network. Cables between the panels and the other electrical equipment will all be underground (a minimum depth of 1.2m). NTS25 The site will be contained with 2.1m high fencing (deer proof fencing of wooden poles and square wire mesh), which will monitored by cameras (CCTV) on 2.5m poles and special fence sensors which will be monitored by a computer off site. 1 Meaning formed of a number of standard parts which have been made before they arrived at site, enabling an item to be put together quickly NTS-3
NTS26 A series of specially engineered ditches (swales) will be created and shallow indents in the land (scrapes), which will be installed at the start of construction on the site. These features will help to control the surface water of the site after rain has occurred. NTS27 During construction there would be a relatively small number of traffic movements, which will include some heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and staff vehicles, all of which will turn and/or park on site. It is anticipated that deliveries will take place over a period of around 12 weeks during the construction phase of the project, with an average of 2 HGV deliveries per day (working week being Monday to Saturday). Details of the anticipated traffic movements during construction are provided in the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) submitted in support of the planning application. NTS28 Internal access tracks will be 4m and made of crushed stone. The access track to the solar array has been located away from trees and hedgerows to minimise potential effects and the trees and hedgerows will be protected during construction. New hedgerow planting is proposed along the northern boundary of the site along with infill planting to strengthen existing hedge lines in the south east of the site. Operational NTS29 During operation, vehicle movements associated with monitoring, security, maintenance and cleaning are very low. Scheduled monitoring and maintenance (typically monthly visits) will take place, but cleaning will be an infrequent activity and will depend on local air quality conditions. Vehicles used for maintenance of the solar farm will typically be vans or 4x4s. There is sufficient space for maintenance vehicles to park and turn around within the solar farm. NTS30 In additional to maintenance of the infrastructure of the solar farm, the hedgerows and drainage features will also require maintenance as appropriate. NTS31 The solar farm area will have been sown with species-rich grassland mix and will be grazed by sheep in the autumn and winter months, with the grazing animals removed in the spring and summer months to allow plant growth during the flowering season. NTS32 Further details on the maintenance and management of hedgerows, swales and species-rich grassland during the operational phase are provided in the landscape and ecological management plan (LEMP) submitted in support of this planning application Decommissioning NTS33 On decommissioning of the solar farm at the end of its useful life, the panels and associated infrastructure will be removed. All structures will be disposed of in an appropriate manner in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements including but not limited to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE). NTS34 Once installed the proposed solar farm is expected to be operational for 25 years; as such the ceasing year of operation is likely to be 2040, after which the land will be to restored to its current agricultural use. NTS35 It is estimated the work duration for the complete decommissioning of the facility is approximately 20 weeks. NTS-4
Alternatives considered NTS36 The EIA Regulations require that where alternative options have been considered by an applicant, then the main alternatives considered should be presented in the ES with a explanation of the main environmental reasons for the choices made. Site selection NTS37 undertook a site selection process prior to the progression of proposed solar development at. This looked at a wide range of issues (including operational and environmental constraints). This concluded the suitability of this site due to sunlight levels, lack of shading, existing natural screening and landform containing visibility, good access, no statutory landscape or ecological designations and availability of appropriate grid connection point. NTS38 The site, whilst in a rural location, is in close proximity to the urban areas of Stoke-on-Trent and Cheadle, which can benefit from clean, renewable energy. In addition: there are no public rights of way within or immediately adjacent to application site; the land is stable, is free from contamination and is not subject to significant flooding issues; few residential properties close to the site and a landowner supportive of renewable energy (already has a wind turbine on the farm estate). Design iterations NTS39 There have been a number of design iterations following the input from technical studies and on going consultation, the key points of which are set out below: A significant adjustment of the north western boundary follow consultation with the neighbouring land owner Revision to the grid connection route to avoid an area of archaeological potential Change to panel layout to avoid overhead cable routes Adjustment to the construction compound to avoid root protection areas Adjustment to the access road to ensure retention of a section of hedgerow adjacent to the site entrance Panel layout adjusted to include proposed swales Panel layout adjusted to accommodate proposed landscape planting NTS40 The above design iterations have been undertaken to ensure that the proposed development has the minimal environmental effect and has reduced the site size of approximately 20ha to 12ha. Approach to the EIA NTS41 An ES is designed to predict and measure the potential significant effects of a proposed development, and also to identify and assess mitigation requirements in respect of any significant adverse effects identified. The method used should be objective, consistent and adaptable, and as free from analytical bias as possible. NTS42 The ES focuses on identifying existing receptors and assessing the potential environmental effects on those receptors as a result of the proposed development. It is important that the assessment methodology distinguishes NTS-5
between the sensitivity of the receptors and the type and size of change that will affect them, either directly or indirectly. It is also important that the ES is clear and effective in communicating the results of the assessment to the determining planning authority, the general public and professionals involved with appraising the proposed development. NTS43 The methodologies used for the landscape and visual assessment is provided in chapter 4 of the ES. The assessment has been informed by a range of information, including planning policy, desk-top studies, surveys and computer modelling. NTS44 The evaluation of effect significance is fundamental to the EIA process. The degree of an effect contributes to determining the resources that should be deployed in avoiding or mitigating an adverse environmental effect, or identifying the actual value of a beneficial environmental effect. NTS45 The degree of an effect is determined by the interaction of two factors: the magnitude, scale or severity of the effect or change, and the value, importance or sensitivity of the environmental resource being affected. This is then used to determine whether an effect is significant or not. NTS46 The potential for cumulative effects with other developments that are consented, or for which planning permission is being sought, has been examined. This has focused on the potential cumulative effects with the following schemes: Lower Newton Farm, Upper Tean (operational) Heywood Grange (currently under consideration) Moneystone Quarry (currently under consideration) Fowlchurch Landfill (EIA screening submitted) Landscape and visual effects NTS47 The landscape and visual assessment illustrates that the local pattern of settlement, topography and vegetation limits the extent to which the proposed site is visible in the landscape. Measures to retain and protect existing vegetation mean that the physical effects on the site s landscape resources would be minimal. NTS48 There are no nationally important landscapes within the study area that share inter-visibility with the site. NTS49 The most sensitive visual receptors with views of the site have been identified as users of Cheadle Road to the west and east of the site although these are travelling at speed and are transitory in nature, where views will be experienced for a very short period of time. Walkers using a limited number of footpaths on elevated land to the north west, south east and south and potentially the residents of a small number of properties along Daisy Bank (to the north east) and Cheadle Road are also identified as important receptors. The proposed hedgerow and tree planting along the northern boundary of the site will over time further reduce visibility of the proposals, particularly from the ground floor of the residential properties at Daisy Bank. NTS50 The landscape and visual effects during construction will be minimal due to the short construction period (approximately 2-3 months) and light construction vehicles required. These effects will be both temporary and experienced by a relatively small number of receptors. NTS-6
NTS51 Effects on the site landscape character are limited due to the restricted area of visual influence, but have been addressed by the planting proposals. The proposal retains substantial buffers between the solar arrays and existing vegetation. The existing boundary trees and hedgerows have been accommodated in the proposal with no effects on rooting zones. There is no hedgerow or tree removal proposed as part of the development, although there is approximately 17.5m of hedgerow trimming for visibility splays at the junction where the access track meets Cheadle Road. NTS52 The limited height of the development, combined with careful attention to the location of new planting, will result in limited short-term effects on some views and on the landscape character of a restricted area, but this will be reduced once planting has established. NTS53 The proposals are to integrate 21st century renewable energy technology in a traditional farmland context with existing energy associated infrastructure. Solar farms are not currently associated with the underlying landscape character although they do not involve significant physical alteration of the landscape fabric. The proposals could be considered a soft use as the land can easily be returned to exclusive agricultural use. In this respect, when removed, the original landscape character could very rapidly be restored to its former condition. NTS54 The visual influence of this low lying solar development on the lower valley sides is generally restricted to a small area and so consequently any change in land use will have localised effects on the surrounding landscape character. Due to the limited visual influence of the development on the surrounding landscape the impact of the proposals on the character is considered to be minimal and not significant. NTS55 There are no significant visual impacts from the receptors surrounding the site. NTS56 The landscape planting proposal has been designed to ensure that it has good screening potential, with native species selected to improve habitat value in accordance with the ecological assessment. NTS57 There are no significant cumulative effects with the existing solar farm at Lower Newton and the submitted solar farms at Moneystone Quarry, Heywood Grange and Fowlchurch Landfill. NTS58 Overall, the proposal will result in the production of a positive renewable energy resource resulting in a small impact on the local landscape for a temporary period of 25 years. The proposal seeks to maximise the ecological and landscape value of the site s landscape resources, with the proposed hedgerow planting retained following decommissioning, ensuring the value of these features will be realised during and post operation. The planting proposals are designed to fit into and complement the wider landscape and seek to enhance the habitat structure and biodiversity of the local area. Further information NTS59 The ES and the technical appendices have been submitted to SMDC. The full documents can be viewed at: Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Moorlands House NTS-7
Leek Staffordshire ST13 6HQ NTS60 Comments should be addressed to the case officer, Mr A. Swithenbank at the above address and copied to Terence O'Rourke Ltd at the address below. An electronic version of the ES and any further information about the project will be available on the SMDC website, or CD copies may be obtained for 15 (a cost reflecting the production and distribution costs) by contacting: Terence O Rourke Ltd Everdene House Deansleigh Road Bournemouth Dorset BH7 7DU Tel: 020 3664 6755 E-mail: maildesk@torltd.co.uk NTS-8
Site boundary Site location plan Solar Farm 0 240 m Revision Dwg no/ I 02 July 2015 Drawn by: JC Checked by: JI Scale: 1:10,000 @A3 Based upon the 2014 Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 colour raster map with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown copyright. Terence O'Rourke Ltd. Licence No. 100019980. Copyright Terence O'Rourke Ltd, 2015 LONDON Linen Hall 162-168 Regent St London W1B 5TE BOURNEMOUTH Everdene House Deansleigh Road Renewables Figure NTS1 Site location plan
Air Shaft 204.5m Issues Issues 1.22m RH 1.22m RH Def Track Sinks 239.9m 238.0m 222.5m Well 217.9m 180.7m 187.1m 215.2m 193.9m 185.3m Delph View The Sycamores 197.2m 220.4m 201.5m 218.8m Four Winds 205.4m Pumping Station 212.4m Rose Cottage Wren Cottage 216.4m 221.3m 226.2m Issues Def Sweethills Farm Commonside House Legend 1.22m FB Def ED & Ward Bdy Path (um) Def Mount Pleasant Farm Def Existing Culverted Stream Existing Gas Underground Existing OH Line Ward Bdy 1.22m FB Existing Underground Cable Existing Track Reservoir (covered) Temporary Access Track Cable Run Client Substation Temporary Compound DNO Substation 1.22m FB Fence Sensors/CCTV Ward Bdy Fence (23.9 acres) Draycott Cross Farm Inverter Wayside Farm MV Switch Gear PV Panels (19,196) Storage Container Transformer Weather Station Draycott Cross DRAYCOTT CROSS ROAD Track Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data @ crown copyright 2015 licence number 100020449 Ordinance Survey. 1.22m RH 1.22m RH ED & Ward Bdy 1.22m RH ETL ETL Track Track 4m wide CHEADLE ROAD Track 6m wide Refer to detail in construction management plan fig. 2.2 Dismantled Railway S 10.07.15 All buildings amended R 17.06.15 Panels and fence amended Q 15.06.15 Existing Track shortened P 12.06.15 Amended cable run, existing track and access track O 11.06.15 Changed Scale and layout changes N 09.06.15 CCTV moved inside the fenceline boundary and access tracks smoothed M 08.06.15 Amended compound, fence and array layout to avoid root protection zones L 08.06.15 Amended compound, fence and array layout K 01.06.15 Values added to panels and fence in legend, and compound amended J 29.05.15 Amended fence line and array layout I 29.05.15 Compound moved H 28.05.15 Amended fence line, array layout and compound G 27.05.15 Culverted Stream added to the Legend F 20.05.15 Track and panel amendments E 20.05.15 Panel angle amendment D 20.05.15 Red line boundary amendment C 15.05.15 Bottom south-west segment amended B 13.05.15 Transformer, satellite pole and compound moved A 12.05.15 Panels removed from two small parcels Rev Date Comments FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY DO NOT SCALE OFF THIS DRAWING Scale 1:5,000 @ A3 0 100 200 300 Metres Drawn: CM Ref: LP0008 Date: 07/05/15 Layout Plan E. info@earthgreen.co.uk W. www.earthgreen.co.uk Renewables Figure NTS2 Scheme Layout
Listed buildings Listed buildings Registered parks and gardens Registered parks and gardens Scheduled monuments Scheduled monuments Local Nature Reserve Local Nature Reserve Ancient woodland inventory Ancient woodland inventory Special Landscape Area Special Landscape Area Green belt Green belt Site boundary Site boundary 2.5 km 2.5 km Figure 2: Constraints plan Figure 2: Constraints plan Solar Farm Fields Farm Solar Farm 0 600 m 0 600 m Revision I I Dwg no/ Revision Dwg no/ 02 July 2015 02 July 2015 Scale: 1:25,000 @A3 Drawn by: Checked by: JC JD Drawn by: Checked by: JC JD Scale: 1:25,000 @A3 Based upon the 2014 Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 colour raster map with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown copyright. Terence O'Rourke Based upon the Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 colourengland raster map Ltd. Licence No. 2014 100019980. Data provided by Natural with the permission and Historic Englandof the Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown copyright. Terence O'Rourke Ltd. Licence No. 100019980. Data2015 provided by Natural England Copyright Terence O'Rourke Ltd, and Historic England Renewables Figure NTS3 Constraints plan LONDON Copyright Terence O'Rourke Ltd, 2015 Linen Hall 162-168 Regent St LONDON London Linen Hall W1B 5TE 162-168 Regent St London BOURNEMOUTH W1B 5TE Everdene House Deansleigh Road BOURNEMOUTH Bournemouth Everdene BH7 7DU House Deansleigh Road Bournemouth TELEPHONE BH7 7DU 020 3664 6755 www.torltd.co.uk TELEPHONE 020 3664 6755 www.torltd.co.uk
Key Key Existing underground cable Existing underground cable Existing Existing OH Line OH Line Sub-station Sub-station DNO building Fence DNO building Gate ep Fence PV Solar Panels ep ep fence sensors/cctvrack Gate ep temporary access track ep inverter PV Solar Panels ep storage container fence sensors/cctvrack transformer p temporary access track MV switchgear inverter weather station mixed native hedgerow ED tree plantingstorage & d ar W container ETL y Bd Species rich grassland p transformer MV switchgear m 22 1. Existing vegetation retained RH weather station mixed native hedgerow tree planting Species rich grassland Notes/Revisions Existing vegetation retained Solstice Not torenewables scale L ET Landscape planting plan Schedule A: Native hedgerow species mix and specification % MIX 20 15 20 2.5 20 7.5 15 SPECIES COM. NAME HEIGHT CONT. NOTES NATIVE HEDGEROW MIX - Planted in triple staggered rows, 500mm apart at 600mm centres ACER campestre Field maple 80-100cm Bare root 1+1 or 1/1 Branched, 3 breaks SAMBUCUS nigra Elder 60-80cm Bare root 1+2 or 1/2 Branched, 3 breaks CRATAEGUS monogyna Hawthorn 80-100cm Bare root 2x, Feathered, 3 breaks ILEX aquifolium Holly 80-100cm Container 1+2 or 1/2 Branched, 3 breaks PRUNUS spinosa Blackthorn 80-100cm Bare root 1+2 or 1/2 Branched, 3 breaks QUERCUS robur Oak 125-150cm Bare root 2x, Feathered, 2 breaks EUONYMUS europaeus Spindle 60-80cm Bare root 0/1 Branched, 5 breaks COM. NAME HEDGEROW TREES - Planted in locations as shown on plan QUERCUS robur Oak Renewables Rev D Date issued: July 2015 For planning Drawn by: 1:1500@A2 WP 16-18cm CONT. Rootballed JD Based upon the 2014 Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 colour raster map with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty s Stationery Office Crown Copyright Terence O Rourke Ltd Terence O Rourke Ltd 2015 100019980. Do not scale from this drawing Licence number Copyright Terence O Rourke Ltd, 2015 Copyright Terence O Rourke Ltd, 2015 LONDON Linen Hall 162-168 Regent Street London W1B 5TE GIRTH Checked by: Based upon the 2014 Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 colour raster map with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty s Stationery Office Crown Copyright Terence O Rourke Ltd Licence number 100019980. Schedule B: Hedgerow trees SPECIES Revision: 241313/LA/PL/001 NOTES Notes/Revisions Standard (Extra heavy) 3x transplanted, 4-4.5m high, planted as shown on the drawing BOURNEMOUTH Everdene House Deansleigh Road Bournemouth BH7 7DU TELEPHONE 020 3664 6755 www.torltd.co.uk Figure NTS4 Landscape planting plan Solstice Renewables