Pentre Farm Solar Array
Non-Technical Summary
January 2013
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Pentre Farm Solar Array
Non-Technical Summary
Contents
1.
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
2.
The Site and Project ........................................................................................................................ 1
3.
Planning........................................................................................................................................... 3
4.
The Need for the Development ...................................................................................................... 4
5.
Ecology and Conservation ............................................................................................................... 4
6.
Hydrology ........................................................................................................................................ 5
7.
Landscape and Visual Impact .......................................................................................................... 5
8.
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage ................................................................................................. 6
9.
Transport......................................................................................................................................... 6
10.
Public Consultation ..................................................................................................................... 7
11.
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 8
1. Introduction
This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) summarises Kinetica Energy’s proposed development of a standalone
ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) array located at Pentre Farm, near Llannon, Carmarthenshire.
The installation of the solar PV development shall have a maximum generation capacity to provide power
for the equivalent of approximately 1,100 homes annually. The electricity generated shall feed directly
into the National Grid via a new substation.
It is expected that the solar PV farm will be in operation for a period of 22 years commencing in Summer
2013. Towards the end of the 22 year period it is expected that the solar PV farm will be decommissioned
and removed after which the land would be returned to agricultural use.
A combination of field surveys, desktop surveys and modelling techniques have been used to assess the
potential impacts of the proposed development; as well as consultations undertaken with statutory
consultees, non-statutory consultees and interested parties.
A planning application was submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council on 30th November 2012 for the
proposed PV array development (Planning Application number S/27526).
2. The Site and Project
The proposed Pentre Solar PV development is situated in the Carmarthenshire Council Area,
approximately 8.5 km north from Llanelli, and approximately 0.4 km west from the village of Llannon. A
Site Location Plan and Application Area Plan are presented in Figures 1 and 2 respectively below.
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Pentre Farm Solar Array
Non-Technical Summary
Figure 1. Site Location Plan
Figure 2. Application Area Plan
The site is centred on OS Grid Reference 253392, 208275, and comprises of three fields currently used for
agricultural purposes, principally for silage and the grazing of cattle on approximately 10.5 ha of land. The
proposed installation would still allow for the grazing of sheep and so will not result in the permanent
loss of agricultural land. The site is at an elevation of approximately 85 metres above ordnance datum.
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Pentre Farm Solar Array
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The site is generally well screened by mature hedges and is not directly overlooked by any neighbours. To
the North, the site is shielded by a corpse of trees. To the east the site is elevated far above any viewing
angle from Llannon the village down the side of the hill. To the South of the site is a gradual slope
downwards, there are no notable visual receptors in this direction. There are no public footpaths crossing
the site.
The solar PV farm will consist of solar panels erected on ground mounted frames fixed to pile driven
steel supports arranged in linear rows (Plate 1, below). The power generated will be fed into the
connected utility grid via a transformer. The grid management system converts the current generated by
the solar array into AC current according to the requirements and standards given by the utilities and
feeds it into the grid via a transformer.
Plate 1.Illustration of solar racking
There is an existing overhead three phase power line that is located to the east of the proposed
development in Llannon which is proposed to be used for connection to the national grid. Discussions are
already underway with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) with regard to works required, however
it is predicted that any works would be minimal, due to the proximity of the power line.
The proposed scheme would have an initial lifespan of 22 years in line with the Feed-In-Tariff scheme
although the panels will have a lifetime in excess of 22 years. Should the site cease to be used for a solar
PV array then the development will be decommissioned and all visual aspects of the development and
infrastructure will be dismantled and removed from site.
3. Planning
The planning policy to be considered in the examination of the proposal is derived from: national
guidance and advice (including the Welsh Government Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8: Renewable Energy
(2005)) and the development plan (the Carmarthenshire Unitary Development Plan 2006 (CUPD) which
will be replaced by the Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (CLDP), scheduled to come into force in
July 2013).
Both the National and Local guidance documents identify the requirement to:
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Pentre Farm Solar Array
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Non-Technical Summary
Enhance economic success in the countryside
Support initiatives
Encourage farm diversification
Promote exploitation of new technologies
Ensure sustainable development that addresses climate change.
A request for a Screening Opinion under the Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact
Assessment) Regulations 2011 was submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council at the end of August
2012 for the proposed development. A Screening Opinion received from the County Council on 28th
September 2012 stated that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required.
A planning application was submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council on 30th November 2012 for the
proposed PV array development. A decision on the scheme is anticipated to be received towards the end
of February 2013.
4. The Need for the Development
It is widely accepted in the scientific community that an increase in the levels of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases have led to global climate changes, contributing to rises in the average temperature of
Earth's atmosphere and oceans.
In order to achieve the EU Climate Change targets and ultimately the Kyoto target, the UK Government
produced the UK Climate Change Programme 2006, which sets out policies and priorities for action. The
main objectives were to cut all greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% from 1990 levels between 2008 and
2012 and to cut CO2 emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2010.
The Climate Change Act 2008 introduced the world’s first legally binding framework, by setting targets to
reduce UK CO2 emissions by at least 26% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
The UK Government set a target of 10% of all electricity to be generated by renewable sources by 2010,
with an aspiration of doubling this by 2020. In July 2009 the Department of Energy and Climate Change
(DECC) set out the first ever comprehensive Low Carbon Transition Plan to 2020, which is the most
systematic response to climate change of any major developed economy. Targets of cutting emissions by
34% on 1990 levels by 2020 have been set out.
The proposed solar PV array installation will contribute to the renewable energy targets proposed by the
UK Government.
5. Ecology and Conservation
Sylvan Ecology were commissioned to undertake a desk study and field survey on site to establish
habitats and species present, and the significance of effects has been determined based on the results of
these surveys taking into account their ecological importance and the magnitude of an effect.
The survey was extended to include assessment of the potential of the site to support protected or
notable species. Additionally, incidental records of fauna were also made during the survey and the
habitats identified were evaluated for their potential to support legally protected species and other
species of conservation concern, including Biodiversity Action Plan Priority (BAP) species.
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The site was identified to have no internationally important, statutory designated sites present within 5
km. A SSSI does fall within 5 km of the site; however, considering the nature of the development, no
negative impact is anticipated on the SSSI.
The site is considered to be, on the whole, of low ecological value. The habitats on site with the highest
ecological values are the hedgerows and the margins and due to the nature of the development no
impact is anticipated on these habitats, so no mitigation/compensation is deemed necessary.
Of a survey of potential protected species on site, only bats and reptiles were identified to have potential
impacts from the development. There is the potential for low impact on bats from the development with
some trees or branches potentially having suitable habitat. There is also potential for low impact on
reptiles due to suitable habitat occurring throughout the margins of the site, particularly along the
boundaries of the hedgerows. Based upon the 10 m buffer zone shown in the proposed layout plan,
reptile habitat is largely to be retained.
6. Hydrology
Flood Risk mapping from the Environment Agency (EA) shows the site is situated within Flood Zone
1, i.e. the annual probability of fluvial flooding is less than 1 year in 1,000.
The surface of the solar PV modules is not considered to lead to a significant increase in
impermeable areas as surface water from the panels will quickly run-off to the existing green field
below. Therefore the presence of solar PV panels is considered to have a minor impact on the
existing drainage.
Ground fixings of the PV arrays will constitute a loss of permeable area across the site, as will any
additional structures associated with the proposed development, such as inverter and transformer
kiosks. Any access tracks and parking areas to be constructed will use permeable materials and as
such are not considered to increase the hard standing across the site.
A strategy for managing surface water on site to prevent additional discharge or increase in
discharge rate from the site is proposed, making use of the existing network of field drains to
discharge surface water away from the site at a rate not exceeding the existing green field runoff
rate.
To compensate for the loss of greenfield from the array ground fixings, electrical housing and fence
it is proposed to use wet swales to allow attenuation storage. These would be strategically placed
along the base of the arrays in areas where pooling of water occurs and in areas with steep gradients
where erosion rilling is considered greatest.
7. Landscape and Visual Impact
Desk-based and site based surveys were used to provide the descriptions and assessments of the
potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed development on the surrounding landscape
including views thereof, together with the significance of potential impacts.
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Pentre Farm Solar Array
Non-Technical Summary
The potential impacts of the proposed development were considered in line with national guidelines on
landscape and visual impact assessment, specified by the Institute of Environmental Management and
Assessment (IEMA) and Carmarthenshire County Council.
The assessments of potential impacts and proposed appropriate mitigation show that the proposed
development would conform with:

The Carmarthenshire Unitary Development policies
and would have;
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No loss of the direct landscape resource; and, consequently, no change to the impacts upon the
Llannon Historic Landscape Aspect Area nor geology of the Mynydd Sylen Landscape Aspect Area
(as ascribed by the Countryside Council for Wales);
A negligible adverse impact, not of significance, upon the visual and sensory perceptions of the
Llanelli Hills and Mynydd Sylen landscape areas (as ascribed by the Countryside Council for
Wales) only in the immediate surroundings of the Afon Morlais valley, within these Aspect Areas;
No change to the key farming expression of the cultural rural landscape of the Rural
Carmarthenshire Aspect Area (as ascribed by the Countryside Council for Wales); just a very
localised, negligible impact upon the “largely homogenous cultural farming use”, and
appreciation thereof, in the immediate surroundings of the Afon Morlais valley;
A moderate, adverse impact on the view and perception of this local section of the Afon Morlais
valley, of moderate significance, from the viewpoint of the local landscapes on Mynydd Sylen,
which is assessed as being a location with medium sensitivity;
Slight and negligible adverse impacts of no significance from six viewpoints up to 7km away
which are locations with low and medium sensitivity.
A mitigation proposal for landscape criteria is a minimum 10 metre buffer zone around the perimeter of
the development, to protect the hedgerows and root zones of trees;
The assessments of potential impacts and proposed appropriate mitigation show that the proposed
development would not cause any significant harm and so conform with the relevant landscape and
planning policies, notably The Carmarthenshire Unitary Development policies.
8. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
There are 12 historical records located within 400 metres if the site, all of which are post-medieval. The
closest record for a historical record is for a farmstead located approximately 50 metres west of the site.
Due to the nature of the proposed development there will be no impact on any known archaeological
features during construction or operation. It is considered to be unlikely that there are unknown
archaeological features on the site.
9. Transport
It expected that the principal construction materials (i.e. solar panels, array frameworks and electrical
equipment) will be imported by suppliers via a port on the South Wales coast, as these are currently the
import gateways used by solar generation equipment suppliers.
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Pentre Farm Solar Array
Non-Technical Summary
Although the site is in close proximity to major motorways and A Roads, the final part of the journey to
the site is not accessible by HGV’s and so initial deliveries will be made to a storage yard (owned by the
Pentre farm family), located on Heol Parc Mawr on the industrial estate northeast of Cross Hands.
Equipment will be shipped from the port with the main HGV deliveries arriving at the storage yard from
the south.
From the storage yard at Cross Hands, smaller vehicles will be deployed to deliver the components along
the remainder of the journey as the minor roads to site are not suitable for the size of vehicles normally
used for such deliveries.
No delivery vehicles will access the site from the A476 from Llannon village; Ffosceiliog lane, leading
directly from the A476, is marked as unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles; due to the very sharp bend and
narrow, steep lane, all vehicles will be instructed not to use this lane.
The proposed route for all deliveries from the storage yard at Cross Hands to site is approximately 8.7 km
by road.
The route then follows the A476 through to the B4306, and then leads on to Croes y Ceiliog where it will
enter the site from an existing gateway.
The construction period is estimated at 14 weeks with the majority of traffic movements occurring in
2-11 weeks. The bulk of the materials required are the solar panels and array framework which are
envisaged to be delivered to the offsite storage unit at Cross Hands at a rate of 3-4 HGVs daily during
weeks 2-3.
A temporary tracking passing bay and mirrors will be provided within the site entrance to prevent
vehicles from backing into or out of the access gate. The construction of the track will require
notable movements of light commercial vehicles (LCV’s) at the start of construction, possibly 10
vehicles per day. The number of LCV’s expected to deliver to the site is between 10 and 15 daily
during weeks 2-11. No abnormal loads are expected to be required as part of the construction.
Within the 22 year period the site is currently expected to be returned to agricultural use requiring
removal of the solar panels, frameworks, electrical equipment, etc. The Decommissioning Plan
details the indicative decommissioning process; this is expected to use the same traffic management
process as outlined in this plan, with updates for any highway changes in the interim.
10.
Public Consultation
Due to size and location of the development, extensive community engagement was undertaken
during the pre-application stage including:
•
•
Presentation to Llannon Parish Council – 17th October 2012.
A public exhibition – Thursday 25th October 2012 at Tumble Village Hall.
The public exhibition on Thursday, 25 October 2012 was publicised through distributing posters and
flyers around the local area, particularly in the areas where visual impact had already been
established. The exhibition itself was designed to display plans of the proposed development and to
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Pentre Farm Solar Array
Non-Technical Summary
gain public feedback in relation to the proposals. The exhibition outlined the advantages of using
Solar PV as an energy source and provided details of the proposed development. Information was
conveyed through posters on display boards and through providing attendees with two-page handouts relating to the proposed development. The 50 members of the public who attended the
exhibition were unanimously in favour of the proposed development with only two visitors
expressing concerns.
11.
Conclusion
This NTS has outlined the findings of the documents that were submitted to Carmarthenshire County
Council for the planning application of a solar PV array at Pentre Farm, Llannon.
All the likely effects of the proposed development have been fully identified and assessed during the
planning application processes. There are few requirements for mitigation measures in the project,
although where identified, measures have been put in place or are proposed to further minimise any
potential impacts.
Overall, the assessments conclude that the solar PV array will have no significant adverse or detrimental
effects on the natural environment, landscapes within or surrounding the development site, or visual
impacts from the proposed development.
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