Direct landscape impacts on the property

Direct landscape impacts on the property – for example loss of landscape features or change in the character of the site resulting from construction activity or the presence of solar arrays and associated infrastructure, including tall fencing and lighting, and access tracks. Changes in the setting of a property may also result in direct effects on the significance of the place.

Indirect impacts on the landscape character of the surrounding area

Indirect impacts on the landscape character of the surrounding area – for example change in the character of adjacent landscapes as a result of changes in character and sense of place important to the property.

Direct impacts on views

Direct impacts on views– for example change to views including key vistas and impact of on the significance of NT properties as a result of the introduction of manmade structures, fencing, and access tracks.

Potential impacts from glint and glare of solar PV panels

Potential impacts from glint and glare of solar PV panels causing viewer distraction. This may be a particular concern for properties that are higher up a slope than the proposed solar plant as angles involved mean they are more likely to experience any glint/glare effects. These effects are however only likely to occur to periods of the year when the sun is at a specific angle.

Direct landscape impacts on the property

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). Effects on the special qualities and sensitivities of the landscape within the site, considering the landscape value the site provides to NT properties and to their setting. Analysis to be based on desk study, baseline assessment of site, field study and photography.

Use existing documents including Statement of Significance, Management Plans and other landscape evidence including Landscape Character Assessment.

Indirect impacts on the landscape character of the surrounding area

Effects on the character and quality of the landscape and of the value provided to NT properties and their setting. Analysis to be based on desk study, baseline assessment of the surrounding landscape, field study and photography.

Consideration of NT properties in proximity to the site and their contribution and significance within the surrounding landscape.

Use existing documents including Statement of Significance, Management Plans and other landscape evidence including Landscape Character Assessment.

Direct impacts on views

Effects on views, considering size/scale, geographical extent, and duration of the effect. Analysis to be based on desk study, ZTV, and may include photomontages of agreed viewpoints, field study and photography.

Effects on key views and designed vistas as identified by the NT, considering the contribution of the site and surrounding landscape to the setting of any NT properties.

Potential receptors to assess include; visitors/tourists to NT properties including those travelling on routes to/from NT properties, residential receptors living within or in proximity to NT properties, recreational receptors on long distance walking or cycling routes within or in proximity to NT properties.

Potential impacts from glint and glare of solar PV panels

Effects and intensity of glint and glare, with consideration of both solar reflection and direct sunlight with respect to potential receptors.

Identification of likely receptors, as above.

Direct landscape impacts on the property

Ensure careful site selection of PV development.

Minimise extent of change to the site e.g. site levelling and loss of existing features such as trees and hedgerows, existing field boundaries etc.

Implement landscape restoration works at the end of the operational period, considering opportunities for landscape enhancements in-line with long term plans as defined by NT management plans. A landscape management plan or construction management plan should be developed jointly with an established landscape professional (and to be agreed on with relevant consultees, including NT, where necessary). The management plan should be in effect for the duration of the development.

Indirect impacts on the landscape character of the surrounding area

Ensure careful site location, layout design and use of screening.

Incorporate screening measures to minimise potential adverse impact of the PV development. Any fencing or vegetation is to be in character with surrounding landscape and in accordance with relevant NT management plans.

Minimise visibility within the surrounding area of vehicular movement associated with the plant, using vegetation or fencing in character with the setting.

Direct impacts on views

Ensure careful site location, layout design and use of screening, avoiding planting or screening that changes character, disrupts views.

Incorporate perimeter and off-site screen planting in key locations to screen the development, using species appropriate for the context.

Consider opportunities for landscape enhancements in-line with long term plans as defined by NT Management Plans.

Ensure site restoration upon decommissioning, considering any opportunities to enhance the site and surrounding landscape in character with the setting.

Potential impacts from glint and glare of solar PV panels

Ensure that a glint/glare assessment is undertaken as part of the proposed planning application and that any necessary remedial action is taken with regard to the siting of panels etc.

Consider site layout so as to minimise glint and glare in the viewshed of receptors within and in proximity to NT properties.

All impacts

For non – EIA development:

Appraisal of impact of proposal on landscape character and visual amenity.

For EIA developments:

LVIA chapter within Environmental Statement as set out in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Third Edition (GLVIA3). Assessment of impacts on visual receptors to be agreed in consultation with NT and relevant consultees. Key viewpoints to be agreed with Council, Natural England and NT (where appropriate) at EIA Scoping stage.

Residential Visual Amenity Assessment (RVAA) where necessary – Assessment of impact from residential properties within 2km of development (to establish if PV panels and associated infrastructure breaches the ‘residential visual amenity threshold’).

Night-time lighting assessment where necessary (in addition to LVIA). Night time lighting to consider effect on overall character (e.g. in remote landscapes, dark sky reserves) as well as visual receptors.

Cumulative Landscape and Visual Amenity Assessment – assessment of additional cumulative effects that would arise when adding the Development to a baseline containing other existing large-scale developments or those that are the subject of a valid planning application within the 33 km search area (these equate to ‘Tier 1’ projects as set out in the Planning Inspectorate Advice Note 17).

Site selection and design chapter within Environmental Statement. Setting out the rationale behind the site selection, design objectives, the design evolution in response to different sensitivities and constraints, and any potential mitigation strategies.

‘Construction Method Statement’ and ‘Construction Environmental Management Plan’ (CEMP) which should include arrangements for implementation of various aspects of the works. The statement should also set out restoration of landscape earthworks, soils and surface vegetation e.g. alongside tracks, around borrow pits, and along cable routes once the construction phase is complete.

All impacts

Monitoring by Environmental Clerk of Works (ECoW) or other relevant landscape professionals to ensure restoration efforts are implemented as outlined in the CEMP. A landscape management plan should be agreed upon post-consent, providing further detail and guidance for the implementation and guidance of the CEMP. The landscape management plan should be in effect for the duration of the development, and appropriate monitoring is to be expected throughout along with any necessary remedial/additional works which will be identified and implemented.

Any vegetation that is planted for screening purposes, and as part of the CEMP or other landscape management plan is to be monitored for health, and replaced where necessary. Fencing to be maintained and in character with the surrounds. Signage to be clear and defined, particularly around any recreational assets and paths to be maintained.

Regen SW (2010) Planning for Solar Parks in the South West of England.

Cornwall Council (2010) The Development of Large Scale Solar Arrays in Cornwall: Draft 6.

LUC for Cornwall Council (2010) An Assessment of the Landscape Sensitivity to On-Shore Wind & Large-Scale Photovoltaic Development in Cornwall: Methodological Report.

CADW, The siting and design of micro-generation systems for historic area and landscapes: DRAFT.

Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002) Landscape Character Assessment Guidance.

Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition.

Landscape Institute (2023) Notes and Clarifications on aspects of the 3rd Edition Guidelines on Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3).

Landscape Institute (2019) Visual Representation of Development Proposals – Technical Guidance Note 06/19.

Countryside Council for Wales (2007) Guide to Good Practice on using the Registers of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process.

Direct impact of solar farm construction on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

Direct impact of solar farm construction on loss/displacement of ecological receptors (e.g. habitat loss and/or loss of plant or animal species, disturbance, fragmentation or loss of nature focused management regime e.g.: cattle grazing).

Impact of solar farm operation on ecological receptors

Impact of solar farm operation on ecological receptors (e.g. from security lighting, equipment maintenance, vegetation management).

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement e.g. through the management and use of grassland under solar panels, boundary hedges and hedgerows. Consideration of use of biodiversity enhancing management regimes.

Direct impact of solar farm construction on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

Phase 1 (or UK Habs) Habitat Survey.

National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey (of habitats listed on Annex 1 of the EC Habitats Directive and UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) Priority Habitats), accompanied by supporting vegetation quadrat information.

Records of any rare and scarce plant species.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Protected Species surveys (where recommended in PEA), e.g. bat surveys of perimeter hedges as well as fields themselves; reptiles; badger ; great crested newt.

Habitat Regulations Assessment if European Wildlife Sites (SPAs, SACs) are impacted.

Impact of solar farm operation on ecological receptors

To be informed by PEA recommendations. Solar arrays can attract animals mistaking the glare for water.

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

Ecological mitigation and management plan. Biodiversity Net Gain assessment.

Direct impact of solar farm construction on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

CEMP measures should be prepared.

Protection and enhancement of boundary edge habitat (e.g. 10m strip) and hedges adjacent to infrastructure.

Exclusion fencing and translocation programme (as appropriate) within construction areas.

Species-specific mitigation measures (e.g. avoidance of breeding seasons, providing escape ramps for mammals, implement speed limits onsite etc.).

Impact of solar farm operation on ecological receptors

Design security lighting to minimise potential for light pollution and impact on bats.

Consider ecological impacts of vegetation management e.g. grazing regime or mulching.

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

Enhance grassland under solar panels, create and enhance grassland strips between array and hedges; enhance hedges.

Create and enhance opportunities for bat foraging and commuting.

All impacts

For non EIA development:

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.

For EIA development:

An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) should be prepared, either alone or as part of the Ecology Chapter of an ES. Details of methodology and results of any protected species surveys and data search.

Further documents that may be needed include:
– Biodiversity Net Gain report (England) or Net Biodiversity Benefit report (Wales).
-HRA (if required).
-Ecological Mitigation and Management Plan.

All impacts

Ecological Monitoring Strategy should be prepared.

CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland.

CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.

UK Habitat Classification System.

DEFRA (2023) Collection of Documents regarding Biodiversity Net Gain in England.

CIEEM (2022) Welsh Government’s Approach to Net Benefits for Biodiversity and the DECCA Framework in the Terrestrial Planning System.

Welsh Government (2023) Targeted policy changes to Planning Policy Wales on net benefit biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Disturbance to breeding birds due to construction activity

Disturbance to breeding birds due to construction activity and loss of open grassland habitat.

Impact of solar farm operations on birds

Impact of solar farm operation on birds (e.g. from equipment maintenance, vegetation management).

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement e.g. through the management and use of grassland under solar panels, boundary edges and hedgerows. Offsite mitigation for breeding birds lost e.g. skylark.

Disturbance to breeding birds due to construction activity

Breeding Bird Survey, targeting declining farmland open grassland species such as skylark, grey partridge.

Wintering Bird Survey (if recommended in PEA, see Ecology above).

Impact of solar farm operations on birds

If recommended in PEA (see Ecology above).

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

Offsite compensation often required for loss of breeding grassland species like skylark: bird surveys should include other adjacent land owned or in control of the client to be enhanced to replace skylark habitat lost.

Disturbance to breeding birds due to construction activity

CEMP measures.

Undertake any vegetation and ground clearance outside the breeding season (March-August) in combination with habitat re-creation elsewhere within the development site.

Monitor works during breeding season by Environmental Clerk of Works.

Impact of solar farm operations on birds

Undertake solar farm and site maintenance activities outside breeding season.

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

May require off site compensation for breeding open grassland species e.g. skylark.

All impacts

For non EIA development:

Preliminary Ornithological Appraisal.

For EIA development:

An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) should be prepared, either alone or as part of the Ecology Chapter of an ES. Details of methodology and results of any protected species surveys and data search should be included.

Further documents that may be needed include:
– Biodiversity Net Gain report (England) or Net Biodiversity Benefit report (Wales).
-HRA (if required).
-Ecological Mitigation and Management Plan.

All impacts

An Ornithology Monitoring Strategy should be prepared.

EC Council Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Directive 79/409/EEC).

As for Ecology above.

RSPB (2013) Biodiversity Enhancements for Solar Farms. J. Miller presentation on 12/11/13 to SBP/NBP planning seminar.

Physical impacts to above-ground heritage assets

Physical impacts (loss or truncation) to above-ground heritage assets (buildings, landscape components) and buried heritage assets (archaeological deposits and features, including undiscovered archaeology and paleoenvironmental remains).

Harm to the significance of assets arising from change in their setting

Harm (negative impact) to the significance of assets arising from change in their setting (e.g. interruption of visual, functional, symbolic or historic relationships; effects as a consequence of noise, vibration).

NB. Effects as a consequence of setting change are direct, as they directly affect the heritage significance of the asset.

Harm to historic landscape character

Harm to historic landscape character.

All impacts

Understanding of significance of assets potentially affected is vital prior to determining impacts/potential impacts. Historic environment desk-based assessment (HEA), in line with associated CIfA Standard and Guidance, informing ES chapter or as a standalone supporting document for the application (non-EIA cases) or other appropriate document (e.g. in Wales a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) following associated Cadw guidance is to be produced in the scenario that the application directly affects (i.e. is in) a historic asset).

HEA/HIA to include walkover survey of construction footprint and micrositing allowance, and prospection for assets potentially affected within the redline boundary. Designated assets to be assessed for sensitivity to the proposed change within the ZTV, along with non-designated assets of high importance. The potential for views of the development in combination with assets also need to be considered with the assistance of the ZTV.
Depending on the nature and location of the site, local authority archaeologists may require pre-consent evaluation field work (non-intrusive such as geophysical survey or intrusive trial trenches) to fully understand significance of assets subject to potential direct physical effects, fulfil information requirements for determination and provide the basis for an appropriate mitigation strategy (including redesign of proposals where assets are to be preserved in situ). This work is to be undertaken in line with relevant guidance (e.g. CIfA, HE).

Assessment methodology is to be in line with 2021 ‘Principles of Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment in the UK’, as industry-standard guidance developed and promoted by the relevant professional institutes for the historic environment and EIS. It is to meet relevant Historic England or Cadw guidance. Assessment of heritage significance should be transparently articulated (i.e. in line with Historic England or Cadw ‘Conservation Principles’, or equivalent heritage values set out in national planning polices (e.g. NPPF)). The assessment is to use a transparent articulation of impacts and effects, making it clear what effects are significant effects in EIA terms and why, to enable consistent judgement across topics. In England, these are to be expressed in terms of whether and what level of harm arises so the tests in NPPF can be applied by the decision maker.

Clear evidence of the design process and solutions explored to avoid/minimise effects are to be provided in the ES and DAS.

All impacts

Design solar farm (panels, tracks, substation location(s), construction compounds and ancillary off-site construction works (e.g. access improvements) to avoid physical impacts on identified heritage assets. Design solar farm layout to avoid impacts and preserve features in situ wherever possible. Layout should be informed by the use of ZTVs and appropriate visualisations (wireframes, and photomontages for the final ES) to enable design to minimise effects to heritage assets arising from change in their setting.

Where assessment suggests that archaeological potential is high, mitigation strategy should be informed by field evaluation – geophysical survey (where ground conditions allow and such survey is warranted by the level of likely archaeological potential) and/or trial trenching, in line with an approved WSI.

Where physical impacts to non-designated assets cannot be avoided, preservation by record can be acceptable, but must be undertaken in line with a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI), approved by the LPA archaeological adviser, and by appropriately qualified and accredited archaeological professionals. The programme of fieldwork is to be secured by condition, and the necessary funding from the developer for analysis of excavation outcomes, analysis of environmental samples, finds etc., deposition of archive material and processed finds, and publication in a periodical commensurate with the significance of the evidence recovered, must be secured by legal agreement.

(NB. Physical effects to scheduled monuments would require separate Scheduled Monument Consent. This is very unlikely to be granted for this type of project, as direct physical effects to a scheduled monument would generally be considered a ‘showstopper’ and lead to a scheme redesign to avoid such an effect.)

Mitigation through screening and/or surface treatment measures may be possible for effects due to setting change and historic landscape issues. Such measures are to ensure that they are well-blended into the landscape grain and character so as not to introduce a different kind of harm than that which they seek to address (e.g. uncharacteristic woodland planting/species). As solar farms are generally low-rise, working with the existing historic landscape structure (e.g. shelter belts, field trees, hedgerows) may help to integrate the development and reduce effects.

All impacts

For non EIA development:

Input on effects to historic assets prepared by historic environment specialist in Design and Access Statement.

Appropriate historic environment reports explaining baseline and effects to assets (e.g. HEA (incl. setting assessment), geophysical survey report, trial trenching report, geoarchaeological assessment, historic buildings assessment, HIA, WSI).

For EIA development:

-Input on effects to historic assets prepared by historic environment specialist in Design and Access Statement.

– ES Historic Environment chapter.

– Appropriate supporting technical appendices (e.g. HEA (incl. setting assessment), geophysical survey report, trial trenching report, geoarchaeological assessment, historic buildings assessment, HIA, WSI).

All impacts

Monitoring by relevant curatorial authority (e.g. LPA archaeological advisor, conservation officer; HE/Cadw officer, HED) to ensure agreed mitigation works are being undertaken in line with the approved WSI and archaeological excavation license if required (for works in Northern Ireland). This process may take several years where archaeological investigation is required as any specialist analyses and post-excavation works must be concluded before reporting can be completed and published, at which point the monitor certify that they have been completed in line with the WSI.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) (2020) Standard and Guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment.

IEMA, IHBC & CIfA (2021) Principles of Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment in the UK.

CIfA (2020) Standard and guidance for archaeological geophysical survey.

CIfA (2020) Standard and guidance for archaeological field evaluation.

Historic England (2015) Managing Significance in Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment: Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 2.

Historic England (2021) Commercial Renewable Energy Development and the Historic Environment in Planning Note 15.

Historic England (2017) The Setting of Heritage Assets: Historic Environment: Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 3.

Historic England (2019) Statements of Heritage Significance: Analysing Significance in Heritage Assets Historic England Advice Note 12.

Cadw (2017) Heritage Impact Assessment in Wales.

Cadw, Countryside Council for Wales & ICOMOS (2007) Guide to Good Practice on Using the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process Second Edition.

Cadw (2017) Setting of Historic Assets in Wales.

Welsh Government (2017) Technical Advice Note 24: The Historic Environment.

Department for Communities (2018) Guidance on Setting and the Historic Environment for Northern Ireland.

Department for Communities (2019) Guidance on making changes to Listed Buildings: Making a better application for listed building consent for Northern Ireland.

Department for Infrastructure (2019) Best Practice Guidance to PPS 23 ‘Assessing Enabling Development for the Conservation of Significant Places in Northern Ireland.

Department for Infrastructure (2019) Best Practice Guidance to PPS 18 ‘Renewable Energy’ in Northern Ireland.

Department of the Environment (2009) Best Practice Guidance to Planning Policy Statement 18 ‘Renewable Energy’.

Increase in flood risk as solar PV panels will drain to the existing ground

Potential increase in flood risk as solar PV panels will drain to the existing ground and general development footprint (mainly due to landform change and less permeable surfaces in the Site).

Risk to local watercourse/waterbodies/groundwater

Risk to local watercourses/ water bodies/ groundwater/ private and public water supplies (e.g. from pollution, erosion, sedimentation, impediments to flow, reduction of woodland).

All impacts

The following desk and field surveys may be required:

Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy

Review of geology, hydrogeology and soil of the site and sub-catchment.

Identification of designated and protected areas within the drainage pathways of site.

Identification of watercourses within site and within a 300m radius of site, in addition to existing and potential watercourse crossings, artificial and/or natural drainage pathways.

Review of quality and condition of the watercourses within site and sub-catchments.

Review of flow characteristics of the catchments draining to/from site, as any reduction in baseflows or a change in the magnitude and frequency of flood peaks in the watercourses as a result of the development can be important issues with regards to flood risk, water supplies and aquatic ecology.

Identification of location and nature of public and PWS abstractions within site and sub-catchments, recognised by local authorities and statutory bodies.

Peat survey (where appropriate) to characterise the depth and variability of peat deposits across site.

Increase in flood risk as solar PV panels will drain to the existing ground

Ensure any equipment is raised off the ground if in an area at risk to flooding.

Ensure development infrastructure including access tracks, inverter buildings etc does not significantly increase surface water runoff rates and volumes.

Incorporate SuDS such as swales, infiltration trenches and attenuation ponds into the scheme design.

Minimise area of impermeable surface.

Reinstate vegetation where possible.

Provide storage and attenuation using Sustainable Drainage techniques (SuDs). This should prevent the receiving water environment being adversely affected by drainage and runoff from the proposed development site.

Use appropriate culverts and drains to match existing hydrological regimes.

Construction should take place during low flow times.

Risk to local watercourse/waterbodies/groundwater

A CEMP (Construction Environmental Management Plan) should be put in place to minimise potential impacts.

Water quality and flow monitoring prior to development to provide a qualitative and quantitative baseline.

Pre-construction ground investigation work should also be taken to inform the detailed foundation and infrastructure design.

Targeted monitoring and assessment of groundwater levels and flows beneath the site. This will be a key part of the design of the infrastructure and the selection of materials for use during the construction process.

Implement good pollution prevention practices based on Natural Resources Wales’ guidelines and CIRIA documents.

All impacts

For EIA development:

A Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology Chapter will be required in the ES.

Additional assessments that may be required to inform the ES include:

– Flood Risk Assessment.
– Watercourse Crossing Assessment.
– Private Water Supply Assessment.
– Sustainable Drainage Strategy.
– Outline Pollution Prevention Management Plan.
– Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem Assessment.
– Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
– Water Framework Directive Assessment.
– Ground Water Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem Assessment.
– Habitat Management Plan (See Ecology above).

All impacts

There may be a need for water quality monitoring and groundwater monitoring post consent, with surveys and site assessments to make sure the conditions do not change too much over the lifetime of the project.

If a diversion or replacement of a PWS (public water supply) or pipework is required ongoing monitoring will be needed to ensure suitable continuation and quality of supply.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2023) Draft NPS for Renewable Energy.

Welsh Government (2021) Technical Advice Note 15 ‘Development, Flooding and Coastal Erosion’.

UK Government (2021) Understanding effective flood and coastal erosion risk governance in England and Wales.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency (2015) Wind farms and groundwater impacts A guide to EIA and Planning considerations.

HM Government (2021) Understanding effective flood and coastal erosion risk governance in England and Wales.

ADAS (1993) The Design of Field Drainage Pipe Systems, Report No.345.

Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (2006) Flood Estimation Handbook CD-ROM V2.0.

WAG (2004) Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk.

CIRIA (2002) Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites – Guide to Good Practice on Site.

Welsh Government (2004, updated 2021) Technical Advice Note (TAN) 15 ‘Development and Flood Risk’.

CIRIA (2015) The Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Manual C753.

Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) (2001) C532: ‘Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites – Guidance for Consultants and Contractors’.

Welsh Government (2019) SuDS Statutory Guidance.

Welsh Government (2018) Statutory standards for sustainable drainage systems – designing, constructing, operating and maintaining surface water drainage systems.

Environment Agency (2017) Protect Groundwater and Prevent Groundwater Pollution.

Environment Agency (2017) Groundwater Protection Technical Guidance.

Guidance for Pollution Prevention (covers the whole of the UK).

Driver delay on local roads during construction

Driver delay on local road network during construction, especially from abnormal loads.

Increased vehicle movements on local roads during construction

Increased vehicle movements on local roads during construction due to construction workers travelling in and out of site.

Accidents and safety on local roads during construction

Accidents and safety on local roads during construction.

All impacts

Transport and Traffic Impact Assessment (to include a review of potential cumulative effects that may arise from multiple solar farms within the area and consideration of impact on socio-economic issues which could include NT operations.

Abnormal Load Assessment – to identify the route for transporting any abnormally heavy or wide loads to site. In some cases this can involve – highways works, removal of street furniture etc. (To note: this may be needed more for other kinds of renewables).

All impacts

Prepare Traffic Management Plan (as appropriate) which will include measures for avoidance of HGV deliveries during peak construction periods etc.

Work together with other projects to ensure the number of abnormal loads and deliveries is minimised and the timings of deliveries are managed and coordinated to ensure that disruption to local residents and other highway users is minimised.

All impacts

For EIA development:

A Traffic and Transport chapter within the ES would be required. This would typically include a Transport assessment (TA) as an appendix.

Additional assessments required may include:
– Abnormal Load Transport Management Plan.
– Construction Traffic Management Plan.

All impacts

Site entrance roads should be well maintained and monitored during the operational life of the proposed development.

Regular maintenance should be undertaken to keep the site access track drainage systems operational and ensure there are no run-off issues into the public road networks.

Adherence to the Traffic Management or Abnormal Local Management Plans.

Institute of Environmental Assessment (1993) Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic.

Institution of Highways and Transportation (1994) Guidelines for Traffic Impact Assessment.

Welsh transport appraisal guidance (WelTAG) (2017)

DfT (2007) Guidance on Transport Assessment.

The Highways Agency (2006) Design Manual for Roads and Bridge.

Institution of Highways and Transportation (1994) Guidelines for Traffic Impact Assessment.

Strategic Traffic Management Plan (STMP).

Welsh Government (2020) Pulling Together, Best Practice for Transporting Abnormal Loads in Wales.

Disruption and loss of public footpaths

Disruption to and/or loss of public footpaths – disrupting tourism and general access.

Maximise tourism opportunities – i.e. facilitate public access to site.

Ensure impact of divergence or closure of PRoW is kept to a minimum and opportunities are realised to improve access where possible.

Potential visual impact on tourist sites i.e. NT land and properties.

Long-term income for land owners and employment planning and construction professionals

Long-term income for land owners and employment of planning and construction professionals.

Disruption to agricultural yields

Disruption to agricultural yields.

Community costs and benefits of solar farm developments

Community costs and benefits of solar farm development (e.g. Impact on employment and expenditure in local economy).

Disruption and loss of public footpaths

An Outdoor Access Management Plan may be required.

Long-term income for land owners and employment planning and construction professionals

An Economic Statement may be necessary.

Disruption to agricultural yields

Land Management strategy

Assessment of impact on existing land uses of the site.

Community costs and benefits of solar farm developments

Assessment of economic benefits of the scheme during development, construction, operation and decommissioning.

Assessment of community benefits from the project. This could include the economic benefits of retained supply chain spend locally, employment and skills training opportunities, household support etc.

Disruption and loss of public footpaths

Avoid re-routing or loss of Public Rights of Way.

Consider appropriate siting to limit visual impact on tourist sites i.e. NT land and properties.

Long-term income for land owners and employment planning and construction professionals

Support appropriate farm diversification and use of local labour wherever possible.

Arable and pastoral farming can be pursued in the same site as solar panels. Opportunities for doing so should be identified.

Disruption to agricultural yields

Minimise loss of farming land by limiting development footprint.

Develop a Soil Resources and Management Plan to guide how developer and landowner will use and manage soils sustainably and minimise adverse impacts on soil health and potential land contamination.

Agrivoltaic farming – placing panels over crops and in grazing fields, rather than using separate land has been found to increase crop yields – an emerging practice in nascent stage. Co-location should be considered.

Utilise previously developed land, brownfield land, contaminated land, industrial land, or agricultural land preferably of classification 3b, 4, and 5 (avoiding the use of “Best and Most Versatile” cropland where possible). However, land type should not be a predominating factor in determining the suitability of the site location.

Community costs and benefits of solar farm developments

Securing direct financial contributions for the local community – e.g. via a community fund (Please note that any benefits that are offered are only a material consideration, if they are directly relevant to planning and the proposed development).

Wider (in-kind) benefits can be achieved from the way construction and development is carried out – e.g. employment of local people or simultaneous upgrades to infrastructure. Preference may be given to contractors in tendering processes who provide such plans. Consideration of the priorities of local communities for infrastructure must be given.

Shared ownership model taken on between community and developer to share financial benefits of the solar farm.

Maximise use of local labour, services and supplies.

Reduction in electricity costs for locals.

All impacts

For EIA development:

A socio-economics chapter of the ES could be prepared if required. These are often included as stand alone reports separate from the ES.

Further documents that may be needed include:

– Recreation and Access Management Plans.
– Application to divert or extinguish public right of way (if relevant).
– Economic benefits assessment (if relevant).
– Land Management Strategy (if relevant).
– Soil Resources and Management Plan

All impacts

It is not anticipated that monitoring measures would be required to address any socio-economic impacts.

Scottish Government (2019) Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments.

US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (2022) Farmer’s Guide to Going Solar.

BRE (2014) Agricultural Good Practice Guidance for Solar Farms.

Welsh Government (2021) Soils Policy Evidence Programme.

Welsh Government (2005) Technical Advice Note 8: Planning for Renewable Energy.

Welsh Government (2016) Guidance for Local Authorities on Public Rights of Way.

Welsh Government (1997) Technical advice note 13: tourism.

DTI (2006) Renewable Energy Awareness and Attitudes Survey.

HM Treasury (2022) Green Book.

HM Treasury (2015) Aqua Book.

Potential impacts from glint and glare of solar PV panels causing issues for any light-sensitive receptors i.e. aviation, roads, rail infrastructure and residential properties.

Glint and glare assessment should be prepared for all materials included.

Glint and glare would be unlikely as solar panels are designed to absorb light. Modern Solar PV panels have high-tech anti-reflective coatings and ultra-transparent glass to improve panel efficiency.

Use of non-glare/non-reflective type panels.

A Glint and Glare Assessment should be prepared.

None needed.

Solar Energy UK (2022) Everything Under the Sun the Facts about Solar Energy.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2023) Draft NPS for Renewable Energy.