The Environmental Benefits
The proposed scheme will contribute to the country’s growing need for clean electricity generation. In recent years, solar power has become one of the lowest cost forms of energy generation, and it can now be constructed and operated without public subsidies.
This project will make a vital contribution to achieving the Government’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions and completely greening the electricity network by 2035.
The site will include significant mitigation to protect the amenity of residents. Proposed strategies include setting back of panels from field boundaries, management of roadside hedges to increase height, and new hedge planting along external perimeters where there are not currently hedges. According to the Countryside Survey, the prevalence of hedges has been in decline across the UK since the 1980s. These mitigation measures will provide wonderful habitats for native fauna such as birds, bats, butterflies and small animals. Additionally, a buffer will be left between the proposed development and Bromley Wood to the south of the proposed site, in order to minimise impact to the woodland.
Situated between the settlements of Cresswell, approximately 2.7km to the north, and Sharpley Heath, approximately 1.2km to the south, the site is largely surrounded by further agricultural fields. A national trail passes within the site and runs near the eastern boundary of the site toward Bromley Wood which will be retained both during construction and operation of the proposals. Additional mitigation measures in the form of new hedgerows are being proposed to minimise any views/glimpsed views into the site from public viewpoints.
The physical presence of generating equipment will only occupy a small proportion of the actual site, leaving scope for biodiversity enhancements and creation of wildlife corridors for badgers and other animals. Research has shown that solar farms can play an important role in reducing the decline in biodiversity. The proposed management plan will prioritise broad leaved plants, grasses and other vegetation that encourage butterflies, bumblebees and birds to flourish.
Continued grazing of livestock around and under the solar panels throughout operation means the development will provide the dual benefit of agriculture and energy generation.
REPD are committed to using local sub-contractors, where possible during construction and operation, which will benefit the local economy.
Proposals for new landscaping and biodiversity improvements within and around the proposed solar farm
