Pollington Solar Farm
RPS Design and Access Statement
Gaelectric Renewable Energy Developments Ltd
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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:
01235 821888
Email: rpsox@rpsgroup.com
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QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Prepared by:
Authorised by:
Date:
Project Number/Document
Reference:
Luke Simpson
Christopher LeCointe
22 April 2015
OXF8911/DAS
COPYRIGHT © RPS
The material presented in this report is confidential. This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Gaelectric Renewable
Energy Developments Limited and shall not be distributed or made available to any other company or person without the knowledge
Contents
and written consent of RPS.
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CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Scope of this Statement .......................................................................................................................... 4
2
DESIGN EVOLUTION PROCESS .......................................................................................................... 5
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Application Site Description ..................................................................................................................... 5
Surrounding Area Description ................................................................................................................. 7
Relevant Policies ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Pre-application Consultation ................................................................................................................. 11
Design Evolution.................................................................................................................................... 11
3
DESIGN RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................ 14
Use….. ................................................................................................................................................... 14
Amount .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Layout.. .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Scale…. ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Landscaping .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Appearance ........................................................................................................................................... 16
4
ACCESS ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Site Access ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Heck and Pollington Lane / Long Lane ................................................................................................. 18
A645…. .................................................................................................................................................. 18
A19….. ................................................................................................................................................... 19
5
CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................................... 20
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
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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 1.0.
1.4
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
1
This Design and Access Statement has been written in accordance with CABE’s document entitled
1
Design and Access Statements: How to write, read and use them (CABE, 2006) . 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.
CABE., 2006. Design and Access Statements: How to write, read and use them. London: CABE
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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 460846, 420569. 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
2
2
A Topographic Survey (RPS, 2015a) has been undertaken and submitted as part of this planning
application.
RPS., 2015a. Topographic Survey: Drawing number UAH3017_A
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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
3
and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) (RPS, 2015b) submitted as part of this planning application.
Trees and Hedgerows
2.12
4
There are no trees or hedgerows within the Application Site (RPS, 2015c) .
Flood Risk and Hydrology
2.13
5
Reference to the Environment Agency Flood Map (available online) 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:
http://maps.environmentagency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?x=357683.0&y=355134.0&scale=1&layerGroups=default&ep=map&te
xtonly=off&lang=_e&topic=floodmap
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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.
2.18
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.
2.20
To the west the nearest residential properties are Heck Hall Farm and Terrace approximately 500 m
to the west of the Application Site.
2.21
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.
2.22
The nearest neighbouring residential properties to the east are located approximately 500m from the
eastern corner of the Application Site.
2.23
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.
2.24
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
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and the surrounding commercial premises are located off Snaith Road and Gowdall Lane, to the east
of the Application Site.
2.25
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.
2.27
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.
2.30
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
6
6
Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires local planning
authorities to determine planning applications in accordance with the provisions of the Development
Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, s.38(6)
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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.
2.34
A full assessment of all relevant Development Plan policies and other material policy considerations,
7
is contained within the Planning Statement (RPS, 2015d) 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)
8
(Adopted April 1999) ; and
•
The ‘saved’ policies of the Joint Structure Plan for Kingston Upon Hull and the East Riding of
9
Yorkshire (Adopted June 2005) .
2.36
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.
2.37
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., 2015. 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 1999. Beverley: East Riding Print & Design
9
Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council., 2005. Joint Structure Plan for Kingston Upon Hull
and the East Riding of Yorkshire. (http://www2.eastriding.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-buildingcontrol/current-strategic-plans/joint-structure-plan/)
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v) Makes use of existing landscaping where possible or is adequately landscape as part of the
proposal.’
2.38
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:
•
2.40
East Riding Local Plan: Proposed Submission Strategy Document (ERLP) (January 2014)
10
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., 2014. East Riding Local Plan: Proposed Submission Strategy Document [Online] Available at:
http://www2.eastriding.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-building-control/east-riding-local-plan/strategydocument/proposed-submission-strategy-document/
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Pre-application Consultation
2.41
th
This planning application has been the subject of pre-application consultation with ERYC on 24
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 1
2.43
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.
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Figure 2.2 - Layout 2
2.44
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.
2.45
A topographic survey (RPS, 2015b)
2.46
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).
11
was subsequently undertaken.
Figure 2. 3 - Layout 3 (Final Layout)
11
RPS., 2015a. Topographic Survey. Drawing number UAH3017_A
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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’).
2.48
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.
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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 3.0.
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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.
3.14
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.
3.17
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.
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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.
3.21
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,
12
2015) 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
12
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.
Pager Power., 2015. Solar Photovoltaic Glint and Glare Study: Pollington Airfield Solar PV Plant.
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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.
3.31
The proposed gates are of similar construction to the perimeter fencing.
3.32
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.
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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
13
period for maintenance. A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) (RPS, 2015e) 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.
A645
4.5
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.
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A19
4.6
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.
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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
FIGURE 1.0- SITE LOCATION PLAN
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FIGURE 3.0- INDICATIVE SITE LAYOUT
rpsgroup.com/uk
c 2015 RPS Group
Notes
1. This drawing has been prepared in accordance with the scope of
East
Tr
Farm
ac
k
5m
Dr
a
in
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.
Legend
LANE
N
GREE
Application site
Land owner boundary
M62
Proposed site access tracks
Conveyors
PV panels
Dra
in
9m
Inverter station
DNO control building
Client control building
Drain
G
OW
Construction compound area
D
AL
L
Conveyors
BR
OA
CH
A 64
10
m
Mast
Works
5
Drain
One
module
Co
Co
ns
t&
UA
Bd
y
Indicative solar table layout
Description
Date
Initial
Checked
10
m
Rev
10m
Airfield
disused
m
10
20 Western Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4SH
T: +44(0)1235 821 888 E: rpsox@rpsgroup.com F: +44(0)1235 834 698
8m
10m
Client
Gaelectric Renewable Energy Developments
Limited
Project
Pollington Solar Farm
Title
Indicative Site Layout
9m
14m
The
Bungalow
Norpins
0
50
Status
Drawn By
PM/Checked by
FINAL
AVG
LS
Job Ref
Scale @ A3
Date Created
OXF8911
1: 5,000
April 2015
Figure Number
Rev
3.0
-
15m
10m
O:\8911 Pollington Solar\Tech\Drawings\8911-0016-07.dwg
Depot
rpsgroup.com
100
Pit
m
HEC
Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2015 License number 0100031673
K
dis
AND
O:\8911 Pollington Solar\Tech\Drawings\8911-0016-07.dwg
FIGURE 8911-LVIA-9- LANDSCAPING PLAN
rpsgroup.com/uk
Tra
ck
5
c 2015 RPS Group
Notes
1. This drawing has been prepared in accordance with the scope of
East
Tr
ac
Farm
5m
Dr
a
k
in
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.
Legend
LANE
Application site
N
GREE
Land owner boundary
M62
Proposed site access tracks
PV panels
Dra
in
Inverter station
9m
DNO control building
Client control building
Drain
Construction compound area
G
OW
D
AL
Conveyors
L
BR
OA
C
Shrub planting - 1.5m centres
H
A 64
10
m
Mast
Works
Wildflower seed mix
5
Existing bund
Existing grassland
Drain
One
module
Co
ns
t&
UA
Bd
y
Indicative solar table layout
Description
Date
Initial
Checked
10
m
Co
Rev
10m
Airfield
disused
m
10
20 Western Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4SH
T: +44(0)1235 821 888 E: rpsox@rpsgroup.com F: +44(0)1235 834 698
8m
Gaelectric Renewable Energy Developments
Limited
Project
Pollington Solar Farm
Title
Landscaping Plan
10m
Client
Depot
14m
The
Status
Drawn By
PM/Checked by
FINAL
RM
LS
Job Ref
Scale @ A3
Date Created
OXF8911
1: 5,000
April 2015
Bungalow
Norpins
0
50
100
m
Figure Number
Rev
8911/LVIA/9
rpsgroup.com
15m
10m
O:\8911 Pollington Solar\Tech\Drawings\8911-0012-10.dwg
9m
Pit
Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2015 License number 0100031673
HEC
K
O:\8911 Pollington Solar\Tech\Drawings\8911-0012-10.dwg
APPENDICES
rpsgroup.com/uk
APPENDIX 1
Indicative 48 Panel Table Layout Plan & Elevations
rpsgroup.com/uk
APPENDIX 2
DNO Control Building Plan & Elevations
rpsgroup.com/uk
APPENDIX 3
Indicative Control Building & Elevations
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APPENDIX 4
Indicative Compound Plan and Elevations
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APPENDIX 5
Indicative Deer Fence and Gate Details
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APPENDIX 6
Typical CCTV Mast Elevation
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Contact
Luke Simpson
Senior Planner
RPS Planning & Development
20 Western Avenue
Milton Park
Abingdon
Oxon OX14 4SH
T: +44 (0) 1235 821888
Luke.Simpson@rpsgroup.com
7893-66
rpsgroup.com