The proposed scheme will contribute to the county’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.
It 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 is located on a plateau and is relatively well contained with no Public Rights of Way (PRoW) crossing the site. PRoWs located in the wider area should have very limited views of the site due to topography and existing screening. There is a Public Rights of Way along the south-western boundary of the site, where one could see glimpses of the site. Thus, that is why we proposed additional hedgerows to screen it further. Further to this, a National Trail is located to the south of the site and due to the topography, the site is likely to be visible from these public viewpoints. Additional mitigation measures in the form of new hedgerows have been proposed to minimise any views/ glimpsed views into the site from these public viewpoints. The development should not be visible from the settlement of Wherwell or from properties to the south and west due to the topography and existing vegetation. Existing mature boundary vegetation will help screen it from properties to the east and north of the site.
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 deer 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 sheep 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 suppliers during construction and operation, which will benefit the local economy.
Proposals for new landscaping and biodiversity improvements within and around the proposed solar farm
