hawthorn pit solar farm design and access statement
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Murton Solar Farm: Design and Access Statement
September 2021
Hawthorn Pit Solar Farm Design and Access Statement Applicant: Aura Power Developments Ltd
Date: September 2021
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Murton Solar Farm: Design and Access Statement
September 2021
CONTENTS Contents
Supporting Planning Figures and Drawings .................................................................................. ii
Glossary of Terms .......................................................................................................................... ii
1. ....... Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Purpose and Content ...................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Context to the Development .......................................................................................... 5
2. ....... Design ................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1 Design Principles ............................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Site Description and Planning Policy .............................................................................. 9
2.3 Siting and Design Evolution of the Scheme .................................................................... 11
2.4 Scheme Design ................................................................................................................ 17
3. ....... Transport and Access .......................................................................................................... 22
3.1 Durham County Transport Policy .................................................................................... 22
3.2 Public Rights of Way ....................................................................................................... 24
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Document Control Sheet
Client Reference: UKS17 Murton
Dulas Ltd Reference: E05596
File Name E05596-REP-Murton Design and Access Statement-V1-20210920-MP-CF Comments-LR.docx
Client Details: Aura Power Developments Ltd.
Penthouse Office,
30 Queens Square,
Bristol. BS1 4ND
Version: V1 V2 V3
Prepared By: Lesley Rice
Reviewed By: Rachel Kennedy
Approved By: Michael Phillips
Date:
Status: Client review draft Pre-Submission copy Submission
Prepared by Dulas Ltd
Dyfi Eco Park
Machynlleth
Powys SY20 8AX
01654 705000
www.dulas.org.uk
Disclaimer
This report, and information or advice which it contains, is provided by Dulas Ltd solely for reliance by its Client in performance of Dulas Ltd.’s duties and liabilities under its contract with the client. Any advice, opinions or recommendations within this report should be read and relied upon only in the context of the reports as a whole. The advice and opinions in this report are based upon the information made available to Dulas Ltd at the date of this report and on current UK standards, codes, technology, and construction practices as at the date of this report and may be based on assumptions. Dulas Ltd has endeavoured to ensure that the information contained in this report is accurate. However, Dulas Ltd. accepts no liability for the use of this information.
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SUPPORTING PLANNING FIGURES AND DRAWINGS Figure 1: Site Location
Figure 2: Site Layout
Figure 3: Indicative Solar Panel Elevation
Figure 4: Indicative Transformer
Figure 5a: Substation - Compound Layout Plan
Figure 5b: Substation - Compound Layout Elevation
Figure 6: Indicative Spare Parts Container
Figure 7: Typical Cable Trench
Figure 8: Indicative Fence and Gate
Figure 9: Indicative CCTV
Figure 10: Indicative Track Cross-Section
Figure 11: Site Entrance and Visibility Splays
Figure 12: Indicative Hedge Gate
Figure 13: Public Rights of Way
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AC Alternating Current AOD Above Ordnance Datum BOAT Byway Open to All Traffic CABE Commission for Architecture and Built Environment CCC Committee on Climate Change CCTV Closed Circuit Television CDP County Durham Plan CO2 Carbon Dioxide DC Direct Current DAS Design and Access Statement ER Environmental Report GHG Greenhouse Gases GIS Geographical Information System GW Gigawatt – unit of power, 1000MW Ha Hectares IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change kW Kilowatt – unit of power, 1000 watts kWh Kilowatt hour – unit of energy output LDP Local Development Plan MW Megawatt – unit of power, 1000kW MWh Megawatt hour – unit of energy output NPPF National Planning Policy Framework
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PV Photovoltaic UK United Kingdom
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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose and Content
1.1.1 This Design & Access Statement (DAS) describes the design principles, concepts and access
issues that have been considered and applied to the proposed circa 49.9MW ground mount
solar scheme on land at Croup Hill, south of Deaconsyde Farm, Broadoaks, Murton (the
‘Site’), the location of which is shown in Figure 1: Site Location. The Applicant for the
proposal is Aura Power Developments Ltd (‘Aura Power’ / ‘the Applicant’).
1.1.2 This DAS is informed by the guidance presented in the Commission for Architecture and
Built Environment (CABE) guide Design and access statements (2007) and has paid heed to
Government guidance on the design process and tools in their online facility -
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/design.
1.1.3 Durham Council’s guidance in respect of Design and Access Statements is set out in their
published validation document guidance (July 2021), which advises as follows:
Statement to explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied
to the following aspects: amount, layout, scale, landscaping and appearance.
The access component should explain how the design ensures all users have
equal and convenient access. The statement may take a proportionate approach
based on the scale/sensitivity of the proposals.
1.1.4 This DAS is submitted to the determining authority to describe and explain the design and
access concepts and principles applied to the proposed development as advised in the
guidance above.
1.1.5 Accordingly, the DAS presents detailed information on the design approach applied to this
Development, in order to demonstrate that the Applicant and consultants have considered
the local environment, amenity and access in the formulation of this development
proposal. Through sequential testing of available areas against a range of environmental
factors the Applicant has sought to meet the requirements on design and environmental
protection set out in the policies of the County Durham Plan (CDP) 2020 and associated
supplementary guidance.
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1.2 Context to the Development
1.2.1 Clear, scientific evidence has established that global warming is driving climate change
across the planet. The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) established in
its Fifth Report on Climate Change1 that it is “unequivocal” that the earth’s climate is
warming due to human activity. The further 6th (ARC) report is due to be released in 2022
but an initial report Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis2 has been published
giving an up-to-date understanding of climate science. The IPCC has now confirmed that
man-made activities are responsible for rapid warming, which is now equivalent to 1.1
degrees centigrade of warming since 1850 – 1900. On current predictions, global
temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5 degrees centigrade of warming over the
next 20 years.
1.2.2 In acknowledgement of the crisis, the United Kingdom (UK) government became the first
international state to declare a climate emergency in May 2019, putting the government
on record in support of emergency action to reverse global warming. At this time the
Committee on Climate Change (CCC) published its report Net Zero: The UK’s contribution
to stopping global warming recommending a new emissions target for net-zero
greenhouse gases by 2050, which, among other measures, would entail the delivery of
further significant capacities of renewable energy to displace fossil fuel power production
and also electrify heat and transport. It was this report that precipitated UK Government
to pass a net zero emissions legal commitment by 2050. Subsequently in early 2020, UK
Government permitted the reintroduction of onshore renewables, including solar power,
into the Contracts for Difference energy market, marking the importance of renewable
power in securing the UK’s indigenous sources of decarbonised power generation. See the
Planning Statement submitted with the planning application for full details of the needs
case for new renewables capacity.
1.2.3 Solar power, in addition to wind, hydro and biomass, is a form of renewable energy that
can be deployed in very large volumes in order to displace fossil fuel use, and a number of
1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) (2013) – Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. IPCC. 2 IPCC Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis – Working Group I contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report.
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active developers in the UK are seeking permissions to build out new capacity. The
Applicant for the Hawthorn Pit solar farm scheme is Aura Power Developments Ltd, a
leading global developer of renewable energy projects headquartered in Bristol.
1.2.4 Aura Power has an active pipeline of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage
projects. Their operational projects include the Carlam Hill Solar Park near Hull, and battery
storage facilities in Lockleaze (North Bristol), Wolverhampton and Nevendon (Basildon).
The Applicant is able, therefore, to demonstrate experience in designing, constructing and
operating clean energy and storage schemes at large scale.
1.2.5 Aura Power identifies that large scale solar PV is now one of the most cost effective forms
of renewable energy, and in many countries is competitive with fossil fuels, even without
assistance from subsidies, as is the case with the UK. Solar PV is seen increasingly as an
important element of the world’s energy mix but despite its growth in recent years, 65% of
the world’s electricity is still produced from fossil fuels3 and electricity demand is set to
grow by 57% by 20504. Increasingly, electricity will be required for heating and transport
as fossil fuels diminish in use; this necessitates the requirement for considerable increases
in the deployment of new renewables, including solar PV, which is fundamental to meet
our carbon reduction commitments, increasing demand for power and to minimise further
depletion of the planet’s resources.
1.2.6 Aura Power is currently developing solar farms in Canada, Italy, Portugal, Republic of
Ireland, Spain, UK and the US, and is therefore contributing to global efforts to address the
climate crisis. Accordingly, Aura is currently seeking to acquire landholdings across the UK
that would contribute to its development pipeline, and the Hawthorn Pit site is one such
site that has suitable attributes for a large-scale solar farm in a location that does not
conflict with other land-use planning uses or designated protections, and which has
available grid capacity.
3 World Bank 2015 4 Bloomberg NEF, 2018
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2. DESIGN 2.1 Design Principles
2.1.1 Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are generally manufactured from silicon PV cells. These
are typically categorised into either monocrystalline or multi-crystalline modules. This
gives the panels a distinctive, shingled appearance. Most panels are in a rectangular format
for ease and efficiency of installation. Following is an illustration of a typical solar panel:
Plate 1: Typical Solar Panel
2.1.2 A solar panel (PV module or PV panel) is a packaged, interconnected assembly of solar cells,
also known as PV cells. The solar panel can be used as a component of a larger PV system
to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Because a
single solar panel can produce only a limited amount of power, large scale installations
contain many thousands of panels. The Hawthorn Pit scheme will use bifacial panels.
2.1.3 The final design of the module units, rows and arrays will depend on the final procurement
of modules and detailed design of the scheme. Typically, the individual panels are expected
to be arranged in module units comprising 3 panels in landscape or 2 panels in portrait
orientation, one above the other, by approx. 24 panels wide, joined together on mounting
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frames, with multiple module units connected to form rows or arrays. Each row would be
elevated above ground on the mounting frame, with the bottom (southern) edge at a
height of up to 0.7m above ground level and the top (northern) edge at a maximum height
of 3m. The module units are orientated southwards and will have an inclination/angle
varying between 10 and 25 degrees.
2.1.4 Metal mounting frames would be installed on piles across the Site, driven into the ground
at up to a depth of, typically, 1.5m using a hydraulic ram, although depths may differ slightly
depending on ground conditions. Following is an illustration of a typical metal mounting
system:
Plate 2: Standard Metal Mounting Frame and Tables
2.1.5 The mounting frames are usually fabricated from extruded aluminium, and the piles will be
galvanised steel.
2.1.6 A commercial solar farm installation will comprise multiple solar tables arranged in arrays
that are orientated in a southerly direction (in the UK) and tilted at a certain angle to
maximise their potential to absorb the sun’s rays. Multiple solar arrays are arranged as part
of the overall solar farm infrastructure, and the power output is directed through inverters
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into the local substation facility, whereby the generated renewable energy is exported to
the local distribution network. Such renewable energy generation and capacity reduces the
UK’s reliance on fossil fuel derived power generation and the associated contribution to
global warming and polluting emissions to the environment.
2.1.7 The principal design components, as shown on Figure 2 – Site Layout, for the Hawthorn Pit
solar farm scheme are:
Solar panels on fixed mounting frames (Figure 3);
Transformer units (Figure 4);
On-site substation (Figure 5a & b);
Spare parts containers (Figure 6);
Cable trenches and underground cabling (Figure 7);
Security fence (Figure 8) and CCTV (Figure 9);
Site tracks (Figure 10), new site entrance from private road and public rights of
way (Figure 11) and field entrances (Figure 12); and
Temporary site compound / delivery area (see Figure 2).
2.2 Site Description and Planning Policy
Characteristics of the Site and its Context
2.2.1 The Site is formed by several predominantly large-scale, open and sweeping agricultural
fields that broadly slope down to the south from Murton and then rise slightly further to
the south towards the existing electricity substation. Levels vary between 110m and 135m
Above Ordnance Datum (AOD).
2.2.2 Several electricity transmission lines radiate to/from the electricity substation or across the
site alongside local electricity distribution infrastructure, and there are a number of
footpaths and farm tracks in and adjoining the site. There is a single bridleway to the west
of the development area and National Cycle (Sustrans) Route outside the western
boundary which follows the route of an old railway line.
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2.2.3 The Site is predominantly used for arable and some pastoral grazing, and comprises mostly
Agricultural Land Classification Grade 3b land with some areas of Grade 2 land (see ALC
report dated May 2020).
2.2.4 The proposed site lies between Murton and South Hetton and to the east of Easington Lane
and incorporates Croup Hill. The site lies to the north of an electricity substation, north of
the former Hawthorn Colliery site and is in close proximity to the developing Jade Business
Park and Dalton Park retail development. A sports ground lies to the east.
2.2.5 In the wider context, the landscape is broadly an undulating landform, varying in height
between approximately 100m and 170m AOD, and within 5km of the site the highest
elevations are in the northwest, with generally lower elevations found within the east as
the landform nears the coast around Seaham and Easington.
2.2.6 There are a number of large scale developments within 5km of the site, notably Haswell
Moor, High Haswell, High Sharpley, Great Sharpley and Great Eppleton Wind Farms, and
two single turbines west of Easington. Jade Business Park, Dalton Park Shopping Outlet,
the A19 and South Hetton electricity substation are additional large scale developments,
all located within 2km of the proposed site.
Local Planning Policy
2.2.7 The County Durham Plan, adopted 2020, includes the following relevant policies to this
development proposal:
Policy 10 – Development in the Countryside
Policy 14 – Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land and Soil Resources
Policy 21 – Delivering Sustainable Transport
Policy 26 - Green Infrastructure
Policy 31 – Amenity and Pollution
Policy 33 - Renewable and Low Carbon Energy
Policy 35 – Water Management
Policy 39 - Landscape
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Policy 41 – Biodiversity and Geodiversity
Policy 43 - Protected Species and Nationally and Locally Protected Sites
Policy 44 – Historic Environment
2.2.8 There is no neighbourhood plan in place for this area.
2.2.9 The Planning Statement which accompanies the planning application sets out full details of
the planning policy framework relevant to this development proposal and site.
2.3 Siting and Design Evolution of the Scheme
2.3.1 One overriding factor in selecting an appropriate, viable development site for a solar farm
is the proximity to local electricity grid infrastructure with sufficient capacity to
accommodate the electricity output from new generating plant, especially where such sites
do not conflict with other land use protections.
2.3.2 The Applicant has secured a viable grid connection, and has applied national planning
constraints in selecting and refining the Site. The Hawthorn Pit scheme is therefore an
outcome of the sequential testing of strategic resources and constraints that is an
appropriate response to NPPF requirements for selecting appropriate sites for
development.
2.3.3 In this context, potential sites with a viable grid connection are increasingly rare, as the
distribution network has become saturated and as it adapts to the necessity for distributed,
decarbonised generation. In this context, applying sequential testing based upon the
preference to explore the availability of brownfield sites, as advised by the NPPF and
Ministerial Statements, is mis-guiding as many brownfield sites are now developed for
similar or other purposes, or do not have an available, viable grid connection; this places
further reliance on harnessing available sites with the correct attributes where there is a
viable, secured grid case, as is the case with the Hawthorn Pit solar scheme.
2.3.4 Selecting a solar site through sequential testing of strategic resources and available grid is
therefore a preferable and valid approach in securing more clean energy capacity and
meeting our ambitious net zero targets. In effect, the critical need to act on the climate
crisis necessitates high approval rates of new renewables capacity by determining
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authorities, who themselves are required under the NPPF to collaborate with developers
in making the effects of new proposals acceptable in the interests of making development
sustainable and meeting our net zero targets.
2.3.5 Hawthorn Pit Solar Farm is an example of this approach to sequential testing and securing
viable grid, whereby the Applicant has identified and secured a site with no other significant
environmental protections or land-uses that has sufficient available capacity within the
existing electricity network to absorb new clean energy generation; the point of connection
will be Hawthorn Pit substation immediately to the south of site.
2.3.6 Following site identification, the Applicant undertook a detailed review of site conditions
and national environmental constraints to confirm that the Site not only demonstrated the
requisite technical and commercial characteristics for viable development but also to
ensure that the Site was absent of sensitive environmental, technical and amenity features
that may be conflicted by new development.
2.3.7 Following landowner agreements to explore the solar farm potential of the Site, the
Applicant has conducted detailed environmental surveys and sensitivity testing of the
available landholding to inform the layout of a well-designed solar farm scheme that limits
affects to other on-site land-uses and receptors.
2.3.8 A number of hard constraints were applied at the early stages of design, as follows:
Removal of eastern field from scheme due to it being ALC grade 2 and to reduce
potentially significant effects to recreational users;
A minimum 5m buffer from canopy edge of trees and all hedges / trees to both
limit the effects of shading to the panels and to ensure root protection from the
effects of the development;
A minimum 5m buffer around all rights of way;
A minimum 3m buffer along either edge over the overhead electricity distribution
lines;
Initial advisory landscape guidance on suitable stand-offs of the scheme from the
nearest and principal visual receptors; and
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The avoidance of archaeologically sensitive areas identified through field walkover
and geophysical survey, with additional 10m buffer from all identified features.
2.3.9 Further, more detailed surveys of the Site, as set out in the LVIA, ecology, FRA and heritage
assessments, were undertaken and the site design was amended to afford protection to
any sensitive features and receptors identified. As such, the development site has been
through a number of layout and design iterations, described as follows.
Initial Layout
2.3.10 At project commencement and pre-application consultation the available site area and
initial design were as shown in the October 2020 layout below. This layout shows the
maximum potential capacity scheme within the available development area with the arrays
and supporting infrastructure clearly shown, alongside the overhead power lines, public
rights of way, hedgerows and trees, and flood risk areas.
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Initial Layout: October 2020
Layout 2
2.3.11 Layout 2 represents a further iteration of the proposed scheme that followed the
archaeology desk based assessment, walkover and geophys, and the Applicant sought to
re-devise a scheme that would retain as much generation capacity as practicable whilst
avoiding harm to the extents of the potential archaeological features identified in the
survey. This is also the layout which was shared as part of the public consultation in June
2021.
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Layout 2: June 2021
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Final Layout and Design
2.3.12 The scheme submitted for planning (See Figure 2 – Site Layout) reflects further, final layout
and design changes that evolved from Layout 2, which are described as follows:
Removal of Northern panels. Following feedback at the public consultation,
panels and associated infrastructure were removed from the northern fields and
also from a field to the west of the site, along the old railway line/National Cycle
Route 1.
Additional Tree Belt. Also following feedback at the public consultation, an
additional tree belt was included along the northern boundary of the solar farm,
to screen views of the site from residential properties to the north of the site.
Reduction in the height of the solar arrays to 3.0m at highest point. At the time
of the initial layout, the proposed height of panels was 3.5m. Following guidance
by the Project landscape advisor, the Applicant proposes to limit the height of the
arrays to 3.0m with the purpose being to limit visibility of the scheme to critical
local receptors such as residential properties and footpaths.
Utilisation of String Inverters: these would be incorporated underneath the solar
arrays and would therefore avoid use of centralised inverters, which would
present additional, raised, visual infrastructure elements.
Hedgerow Creation and Gapping Up/ Tree Belt. Following guidance by the Project
landscape advisor, new hedgerows up to 3 m height will be created on either side
of public right of ways for those routed through the development site (Footpaths
FP9 and 11) with enhancements to any existing hedgerows along these routes. The
following public rights of way will have hedgerows interceding between them and
the development: FP8 along the northern edge, bridleway 15 along the western
edge, and FP11 along the southern edge. FP 13 along the eastern edge will have
the existing hedgerow enhanced. New tree belts will be planted along parts of the
south west boundary of the Site, around the substation and an additional tree belt
to the north as mentioned above.
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Inclusion of Biodiversity measures: where areas are being left clear for
archaeological protection, skylark plots will be created. The ground under and
around the solar panels is suitable for grassland enhancements as described in the
Ecological Assessment.
2.3.13 Protecting essential infrastructure against flood risk. Although the potential risk of
flooding is low across the majority of the development site, we have included swales as a
method of managing surface water runoff.
2.4 Scheme Design
Amount and Scale
2.4.1 The overall land area within the application boundary for the proposed solar farm is
approximately 52ha.
2.4.2 The oversailed area of the solar farm components (i.e. arrays, inverters and substation,
fencing, tracks etc.) would be less than half of the red line boundary area, and therefore
comprise an equivalent landtake of approx. 24.9 ha. Whilst the layout drawings submitted
with the planning application appear to show a much wider landtake, the pole-mounted
solar PV table systems raise the panels above the ground such that much of the ground
underneath remains unaffected, once site remediation has been affected.
2.4.3 The number of principal components of the solar farm, which are indicative only at this
stage, are as follows:
Panels: 93,132
Solar Mounting Tables: 1,617
Transformers: 15
Substation: 1
Spare Parts Containers: 5
On-site access track length and area: 1,223m length, 7,338m2 area
Fencing length: 3,384m
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2.4.4 The physical size and dimensions of each of these components is demonstrated in the
submitted planning figures.
2.4.5 The installed capacity of the entire proposal is 49.9MW.
2.4.6 The predicted annual power generation approximates up to 48.5 Gigawatt Hours (GWh),
which is equivalent to the annual domestic electricity requirements of approx. 17,3055
households per year.
2.4.7 The electricity output would result in annual offsetting of carbon dioxide emissions
associated with fossil fuels equal to approximately 15,203 tonnes annually6.
Layout
2.4.8 The layout of the solar farm has been designed to best harness the power of the sun’s
irradiation whilst ensuring that adequate separation distance is maintained between the
arrays and away from habitat features (i.e. trees and hedgerows) that would shade the
panels and reduce their availability to generate power.
2.4.9 The layout has evolved iteratively as described in Section 2.3 from an initial
conceptualisation of the scheme within the available landholding, through to its final form
which has responded and adapted to on-site features that require protection (i.e.
hedgerows, rights of way, archaeology etc) and local community feedback. This process
demonstrates that the Applicant has accounted for the physical and land use characteristics
of the site and has applied a dynamic design process that has sought to maximise the scale
of development whilst respecting sensitive features across the site.
2.4.10 Following sequential testing of several potential layouts of the scheme, including visual
effects within the locality, the current proposal presents the preferred outcome on the
basis of a number of factors, including:
minimising visibility where possible to visual receptors;
5 Figure is calculated using BEIS ‘Sub-national electricity consumption statistics 2019’ (latest published Dec 2020) which reports an average domestic consumption per County Durham Household of 3168 kwh 6 Calculated using the UK Government Gas Conversion Factor, BEIS, 2020 of 0.2773 Tonnes Carbon/MWh. NV Calculations based on the PV Syst generation report for the proposed layout
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avoidance of sensitive habitats and retention of existing ecological features across
the Site;
avoidance and protection of public rights of way;
avoidance of protected archaeological features;
Landscaping and Appearance
2.4.11 The Applicant, among many considerations, selected the location for this proposed
development, in part, on the basis that the site has no ascribed environmental designations
or conflicting land uses. The Applicant also identified a preference for this site because in
general terms the visibility of the proposed solar farm is confined to an area local to the
proposed site, similar to the existing Peterlee Solar Farm. The limited height of solar
infrastructure, the gently undulating nature of the topography and the good levels of
vegetation across the landscape, which combine to serve as useful containment and
screening tools, demonstrate the suitability of this site for solar development.
2.4.12 In cumulative terms it has been assessed that the solar farm would not be intervisible with
other developments from the same locations, and that accordingly cumulative impacts on
landscape character and visual amenity are a minor concern in relation to solar
development.
2.4.13 Within this overall topographical arrangement, and given the fairly effective screening
presence of hedgerows and individual trees, there is restricted visibility of the Site from a
wider perspective, as confirmed in the Landscape and Visual Assessment that accompanies
the planning application.
2.4.14 The solar arrays would depart from the current character of agriculturally improved fields
and would instead present a series of low tables of a blue-ish hue. Accordingly, the current
appearance of the agricultural fields will alter to one that is more man- made in nature. The
solar panels will appear as an expanse of blue, which is largely due to the anti-reflective
coating in which they are finished. This expanse of blue, similar visually to that of a lake,
will be visually contained within a much wider expanse of green and brown natural habitat,
and the proposal is not expected to dominate the landscape nor appear excessively
prominent.
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2.4.15 It is not possible to modify the appearance of the solar arrays to accord with the local
vernacular. However, the Applicant is proposing the use of wire mesh fencing in preference
to palisade fencing so that the character of fencing is more akin to that used for agricultural
field boundaries. New hedgerows will be planted, expected to mature in 5 -7 years
dependent on the maturity of the whips, alongside some footpaths in order to soften the
visual effects to footpath users, as shown on Figure LV7 Mitigation Plan (see Landscape and
Visual Assessment).
2.4.16 The proposed development will not result in the removal of current landscape elements
that contribute to landscape character, including hedgerows and trees, except for some
slight widening of existing field entrances.
2.4.17 The proposed solar farm is not expected to alter the sense of tranquillity afforded by the
current rural climate and environment on the basis of the landscape and visual and noise
assessments undertaken.
Community Safety
2.4.18 The solar scheme is located on private land. Consequently, public access to the solar arrays
is prohibited except where public rights of way traverse the Site. Only where necessary has
fencing been introduced along the rights of way in order to protect users from the electrical
infrastructure of the scheme.
2.4.19 During the construction phase, and in the interests of public safety, staged temporary
closures, as describe in Section 3.4.5 below, will be required. Such closures would last only
for the duration of the construction and site restoration phases.
2.4.20 Any visitors with agreement to visit the Site would be required to report to a pre-arranged
location (likely to be the Site construction compound) and they would receive site
inductions prior to entering the Site. Requirements under COVID-19 guidance and Personal
Protection Equipment will be specified at induction and adhered to throughout the
development of the scheme.
Environmental Sustainability
2.4.21 The proposed solar scheme will use a natural renewable resource, i.e. solar radiation, to
generate electricity. This will offset requirements for the use of fossil fuel derived
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electricity, which in the case of the Hawthorn Pit Solar Scheme will be equivalent to the
average domestic requirements for approximately approx. 17,305 households per year (see
Section 2.4.6). The proposed development, therefore, contributes to global efforts on
environmental sustainability and arresting the progress of global warming and climate
change; the scheme will also reduce the UK’s dependence upon imported sources of
energy, typically fossil fuel based generation such as gas and oil. The proposed
development will provide a long-term, decentralised form of energy that will improve the
sustainability of UK based energy supplies.
2.4.22 If approved, this development will offer the opportunity for Aura Power to place contracts
with local suppliers, which Aura Power has stated they will prioritise in preference to using
contractors further afield wherever possible. In combination with annual lease payments
to the principal landowner and the intention of the Applicant to implement a community
benefit fund, there will be localised economic benefits arising from the scheme through the
construction and operational stages. The scheme will also be required to pay annual
business rates to Durham County Council, making contributions thereby to the district
economy.
2.4.23 As established through the reports accompanying the planning application, the scheme is
not expected to harm or adversely impact archaeological features, recreational assets such
as rights of way, residential amenity or transport access.
2.4.24 Accordingly, the proposed scheme offers meaningful benefits in the form of clean energy
and some localised economic generation, without adversely affecting other environmental
or planning aspects of the local area. There will be a marginal net loss to sensitive habitats,
resulting from widening at field boundaries; however, such losses will be more than
compensated for through the habitat and biodiversity proposals (Figure 13) that are
included with the planning application.
2.4.25 For the above reasons, the Applicant considers the proposal to embody all the central
principles of sustainability and thereby meet the planning policy guidance of the CDP. For
a full appraisal of the proposed scheme in the context of the local and national planning
policy framework, please see the Planning Statement.
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3. TRANSPORT AND ACCESS 3.1 Durham County Transport Policy
3.1.1 Policy 21 of the DCP ‘Delivering Sustainable Transport’ is of relevance to the proposed
scheme. The Policy states:
The transport implications of development must be addressed as part of any planning
application, where relevant this could include through Transport Assessments, Transport
Statements and Travel Plans. All development shall deliver sustainable transport by:
a. delivering, accommodating and facilitating investment in safe sustainable modes of
transport in the following order of priority: those with mobility issues or disabilities,
walking, cycling, bus and rail transport, car sharing and alternative fuel vehicles;
b. providing appropriate, well designed, permeable and direct routes for walking, cycling
and bus access, so that new developments clearly link to existing services and facilities
together with existing routes for the convenience of all users;
c. ensuring that any vehicular traffic generated by new development, following the
implementation of sustainable transport measures, can be safely accommodated on the
local and strategic highway network and does not cause an unacceptable increase in
congestion or air pollution and that severe congestion can be overcome by appropriate
transport improvements;
d. ensuring the creation of new or improvements to existing routes and facilities do not
cause unacceptable harm to the natural, built or historic environment; and
e. developments in the vicinity of level crossings (both vehicular and pedestrian) will be
expected to assess the potential increase in risk at each crossing affected and indicate the
appropriate mitigation required to reduce or remove such risks.
All development should have regard to the policies set out in the County Durham's
Strategic Cycling and Walking Delivery Plan and, where possible, contribute to the
development of a safe strategic cycling and walking network and in particular the routes
set out in Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.
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The following principles will be used to determine cycle and parking provision in
development:
• cycle parking or secure cycle storage should be provided to facilitate increased cycle
ownership and use;
• car parking at residential developments should ensure that a sufficient level is
provided for both occupants and visitors, to minimise potential harm to amenity from
footway parking.
• on street and footway parking should be avoided where it would have an
unacceptable impact on highway safety, or a severe impact on the road network;
• car parking at destinations should be limited to encourage the use of sustainable
modes of transport, having regard to the accessibility of the development by walking,
cycling, and public transport; and
• appropriate provision for electric vehicle charging, including charge points and
laying of cables, should be made on both residential and non-residential development
where parking is provided.
The council is preparing a Parking and Accessibility Supplementary Planning Document
that reflects the principles set out above. Developments should have regard to the Parking
and Accessibility Supplementary Planning Document following adoption by the council.
3.1.2 Relevant aspects and criteria to the proposed Development in the Policy are as identified
in bold. These have been appraised and applied to the design phase of the Development,
in order to ensure satisfactory and safe access, and preserve the rights of way network in
and around the Site.
3.1.3 Due to the nature of the Development, transport and access issues addressed herein relate
principally to the construction phase of the Development, for which the potential road
safety effects will be temporary only, as reflected in the brief Travel Plan presented in
Section 5.
3.1.4 Upon completion of construction, access requirements to the site will be minimal and will
not entail the need for private car or public transport use. Predicted vehicle movements
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would be broadly similar – although less due to in-situ retention post development – during
the decommissioning stage of the scheme.
3.1.5 The access arrangements for the Development from the principal highway, Front Street
(A182), and any crossings of rights of way during the construction phase, would also need
engineering in accordance with the Durham Highways guidance. This includes
improvements to the existing metalled track to site, and any crossings of rights of way. It is
expected that precise details of the engineering aspect of the highway connection would
need to be agreed as a pre-commencement condition to the Development.
3.1.6 Full details of the route to site, site access and entrance arrangements are set out in the
outline Transport Management Plan submitted with the planning application.
3.2 Public Rights of Way
3.2.1 During construction activities, there will be temporary effects to users of the following
rights of way:
Murton Footpaths (FPs) 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13
Murton Bridleways (BWs) 7 and 15
3.2.2 All relevant rights of way to the development site are illustrated on Figure 13: Public Rights
of Way. All rights of way are to be retained across the site if permission is granted; some
temporary closures will be necessary for the construction phase of the scheme.
Thereafter the rights of way network will be fully re-opened.
3.2.3 In the event that the alternative route to site via the Hawthorn Pit Electricity Substation
becomes a reality, the proposed temporary closures to the rights of way network would
be much more limited, with only FPs 8, 9, 11 and 13 that will be affected by access and
construction activities.
3.2.4 FP10, FP16 and BW 7 are coincident with National Cycleway (Sustrans) Route 1, which
runs in sections from Dover up to the Highlands of Scotland. The route is recognised for
its route from the White Cliffs to the mountain scenery of Scotland, with views of the east
coast and several historic features. This section of the route (Hawthorn to Ryhope Way)
departs from the A182 at South Hutton through to Murton and onwards towards the
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south of Sunderland; an alternative route on Sustrans Route 1 from South Hutton to
Seaham is also available, providing a valid alternative route during temporary closures to
these rights of way.
3.2.5 Much of the section of Sustrans 1 along the western boundary would be within a cutting,
thereby restricting visibility of the site, except where the route comes close to the site
entrance, where there would be visibility of scheme for a short duration. The proposed
mitigation measures for BW7 and FP10 set out below are applicable also to Sustrans 1.
3.2.6 From Front Street to the site, BW15 and BW7 will be subject to temporary closure during
construction, and footpath users for FP10 will be subject to traffic control measures / site
signage, to ensure their safety. These rights of way are show in the following plan:
Footpath Plan 1: Site Access Route Rights of Way Network
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3.2.7 From the site entrance, and throughout the site, FPs 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 16 will be subject
to temporary closures where within the site area, and up to the nearest point of entry to
the footpaths, to ensure the protection of users during the construction phase.
3.2.8 These rights of way will be reinstated following construction, with sufficient widths
retained to ensure safe use and access. These rights of way are presented in the following
illustration:
Footpath Plan 2: Main Site Rights of Way Network
3.2.9 Prior to construction, and having secured the necessary temporary closures, the Applicant
and the Principal Contractor will install barriers along the affected rights of way alongside
site signage explaining the purpose of the closures, giving information on safety for users,
and highlighting alternative tracks that are available to users.
3.2.10 Following construction and the cessation of construction and reinstatement activities, the
rights of way network will re-opened.
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3.2.11 During the operational phase, vehicle movements to and from the site are very minor,
with predicted visits for O&M personnel monthly. During summer, numbers will increase
very slightly as maintenance crews access the site for mowing and weed control.
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APPENDIX: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PRE-APPLICATION ADVICE REPORT
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