Sandpool Farm visual impact assessment.pdf

7/28/2019 Sandpool Farm visual impact assessment.pdf

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DLA LtdMead Cottage

AxfordMarlboroughSN8 2EX

Tel: 01672 515547

Fax: 01672 515811e-mail: [email protected]

SAN

DPOOLFARMSOLAR

ARRAY,SOMERFORD

KEYNES,GLOUCEST

ERSHIRE,GL76EA

Sola

rProjectforBWCEan

dWWT.

LAN

DSCAPE&VISUALIM

PACTASSESSMENT.

ReportRef:DLA1435/LVIA/rpt.1/Dece

mber12

Checked by: KL


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Mead CottageAxfordMarlboroughSN8 2EX

Tel: 01672 515547

e-mail: [email protected]

SAN

DPOOLFARMSOLAR

ARRAY,SOMERFORD

KEYNES,GLOUCEST

ERSHIRE,GL76EA

Sola

rProjectforBWCEan

dWWT.

LAN

DSCAPE&VISUALIM

PACTASSESSMENT.

ReportRef:DLA1435/LVIA/rpt.1/Dece

mber12

Checked by: KL #


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CONTENTS

1.00 Introduction

2.00 Scope and Assessment Methodology

3.00 Baseline Landscape and Visual Resources

4.00 Development Strategy

5.00 Landscape and Visual Appraisals

6.00 Landscape Strategy and Mitigation Proposals

7.00 Residual Impacts

8.00 Conclusions

ILLUSTRATIVE MATERIAL

Fig.1 Site Location plan

Fig.2 Vertical aerial

Fig.3 Topography

Fig.4 Landscape Designations

Fig.5 Landscape Character Areas

Fig.6 Visual analysis and ZVI

Fig.7 Viewpoint Locations

Fig.8 Viewpoint Sheets 1 - 8

Fig.9 Landscape Mitigation Strategy

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Technical details - Solar PV power at Sandpool Farm, SomerfordKeynes, Gloucestershire

Appendix 2 Review of Glint and Glare Pertaining to Solar PV Arrays


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Sandpool FarmLandscape & Visual Impact AssessmentDLA1435/LVIA/rpt.1A /December 2012

2

Appointment

DLA Ltd has been appointed by Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) and

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) to undertake a Landscape and Visual Impact

Assessment (LVIA) to support a planning application for the siting of proposed Solar

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays (1MW) and associated works on land at Sandpool Farm

forming part of the Lower Moor Farm Nature Reserve located near Minety in the

Cotswold Water Park on the Wiltshire/Gloucestershire border (OS Grid Reference:

SU 016940 / E:40695 N:194020).

The Practice has considerable experience in the field of landscape and visual

assessment and uses tried and tested techniques developed and recognised by the

Landscape Institute, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, and

the Countryside Agency (now Natural England).


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1. Introduct ion

1.1 This report provides an assessment of the landscape and visual impacts

associated with a planning application to locate solar PV arrays on land at SandpoolFarm, near Minety, Gloucestershire, GL7 6EA. The proposed solar arrays will cover

approximately 2.1ha of cattle-grazed improved/poor semi-improved pasture of low

botanical species diversity and of limited ecological value. The total panel area is

6,780m, comprising 4,186 240W polycrystalline panels, which will be mounted on

aluminium frames between 1m and 2.5m above the ground, at a 30 degree angle in

south facing rows, with 6.5m of clear space between the rows. The frames are

secured to the ground using helical piles at a depth of 1m. No concrete will be used

in the installation of the array and the helical piles are easily removed at the end ofthe life of the solar arrays. The arrays would have a maximum output of 1MW which

could generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 255

homes. A small prefabricated container will house the switchgear and transformer.

1.2 The site is located 1.0km south west of the hamlet of Somerford Keynes, and

some 3.0km to the west of the village of Ashton Keynes. Approximately 3.0km to the

south are the villages of Minety and Upper Minety. The closest principal settlement is

Cirencester, which lies some 8.0km due north of the application site.

There are no A roads or trunk routes within 3km of the site. However, there are a

number of B roads within this distance, the closest being the B4696 Ashton Road

(some 3.0km to the east of the site), and other minor and unclassified roads.

1.3 The application site comprises an area of cattle-grazed improved/poor semi-

improved pasture of low botanical species diversity and of limited ecological value

which is established on previous landfill. Much of the grassland is very short,

maintained through cattle and rabbit grazing, and has an open sward. Some small

localised areas are longer and tussocky. The improved pasture is dominated by

common grasses including false oat grass and red fescue, as well as cocks-foot, rye

grass, creeping bent, Timothy and Yorkshire fog. In wetter areas hard rush and

sedges occur. Herbaceous plants are restricted to low growing species typical of

lowland grazed meadows such as creeping buttercup, creeping cinquefoil, dandelion,

white clover as well as nettle, thistles, docks and plantains.


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The site is enclosed to the north by a shelter belt comprising native and evergreen

coniferous species. This forms a dense visual barrier, effectively enclosing the site

and precluding any inter-visibility with adjacent land north of the application site.

The eastern boundary comprises mature hedgerow/tree belt vegetation that

separates the site from Ashton Lane. This is a deep band of vegetation, 20m deep in

places, with occasional thinner/gappy areas during winter months, that nevertheless

forms an effective visual screen. There has been some recent native thicket planting

adjacent to this, within the applicants land ownership, which in time will further

reinforce this boundary.

The site is enclosed to the south by a species-rich native hedgerow supporting

hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, wayfaring-tree, spindle, grey willow, ash,

dogwood, guelder rose and dog rose. This forms an effective screen and precludes

inter-visibility with adjacent land to the south (including the public right of way

(PRoW) that is aligned with this).

To the west of the application site, within the applicants ownership, is an area of wet

woodland/scrub, with a ditch system, which supports grey willow, goat willow, osier,alder and blackthorn. This area constitutes part of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts

Sandpool Nature Reserve. This is enclosed further to the east by mature woodland

and riparian vegetation.

The application site is open other than for a post and wire fence that subdivides the

application site into the two proposed solar PVA areas. A section of this fence runs

parallel to a narrow band of scrub dominated by blackthorn with hawthorn, elder, dog

rose and bramble occurring frequently.

A double hedgerow, protected by a double-row post and wire fence, has recently

been planted within the field interior, predominantly comprised of hawthorn and

blackthorn. This new planting links the above mentioned area of scrub with the

southern field boundary.


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The site is gently undulating, with two north-south shallow ridges forming the area on

which the PV arrays will be sighted. The area around the application site is largely

flat, with numerous former pit workings restored to wetlands and lakes. Following a

phase of landfill, other former workings were restored into shallow, gently undulating

hillocks. Further afield the landform is consistent with a landscape character type of

rolling clay lowland farmland, with a gently undulating topography rising in places to

form small low hills (see Figure 3 Topography). None of these have any inter-

visibility with the site, largely due to the well-wooded nature of the landscape.

1.4 It should be noted that landscape impacts and visual impacts are treated

separately. Landscape impacts derive from changes in the physical landscape

resulting from the proposed development, which may give rise to changes inlandscape character. Landscape impacts can be either positive or negative and are

based on judgements about the physical state of the landscape, and about its

intactness, from visual, functional and ecological perspectives. Visual impacts relate

to the changes that arise in the composition of available views as a result of the

proposed development, and to the overall effects with respect to visual amenity.

Visual impacts can also therefore be either positive or negative.

The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment will look at the following key issuesassociated with the proposed development: 1) the impacts on landscape resource;

and 2) the impacts on visual amenity and the perception of the landscape.

1.5 A Location Plan of the site is attached at Figure 1. The relevant local plan policies

from the Cotswold District Local Plan (1991-2011) Saved Policies 2009 are detailed

in 3.7 of this document. The baseline landscape characteristics are taken from the

Cotswold Water Park Integrated Landscape Character Assessment (2009). There is

no formal guidance currently available on the construction of large scale solar PV

arrays in the UK and therefore, where necessary, reference has been made to the

only current guidance available which is: The Development of Large Scale Solar PV

Arrays in Cornwall. This has no statutory standing but is a recent document,

published in December 2010. The relevant national guidance is taken from PPS7

Sustainable Development and Rural Communities 2004 and PPS22 Renewable

Energy 2004.


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2. Scope and Assessment Methodology

The LVIA process is based on the following guidance:

Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2nd edition The

Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and

Assessment (SPON Press 2002)

Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland

The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002)

The LVIA involves the following components:

Scope and methodology of assessment;

Desk studies and preliminary site surveys;

Baseline assessment of landscape and visual resources, including desk

and field surveys;

Identification and assessment of landscape and visual effects;

Mitigation.

2.1 Baseline Landscape and Visual study

This stage reviews the existing landscape and visual resources in terms of character,

value and sensitivity. The baseline assessment forms the basis against which to

assess the magnitude and significance of the predicted landscape and visual impacts

resulting from the proposed development. The assessment focuses on the area from

which the development may be visible.

The assessment includes description, classification and evaluation. The process

comprises three stages, namely a desk study, field survey and analysis.

Desk Study Resources

The following resources have been used to inform the field survey and the analysis:

Ordnance Survey maps;

Vertical Aerial photography;

Character Map of England (J oint Character Maps) Countryside

Commission and English Nature (now Natural England)1996;

Cotswold District Local Plan (1991-2011) Saved Policies 2009;

Cotswold Water Park Integrated Landscape Character Assessment 2009;


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Field Survey Work

The desk study informs the field survey work. Of particular relevance are the

Ordnance Survey maps, aerial photography and the Cotswold Water Park Integrated

Landscape Character Assessment. The field survey is then used to gain a full

appreciation of the relationship between the landscape character components and

the proposed development within it. The field work is supported by mapped

viewpoints and photographic records (Figures 7 and 8) which aim to be

representative and relevant to the receptors.

Analysis

The baseline landscape assessment provides a description, classification and

evaluation of the landscape and the interaction between the landscape componentswhich forms the basis of assessment of the impacts of the development.

2.2 Assessment of Landscape and Visual Impacts

The assessment of effects aims to:

Identify systematically the effects of the development;

Indicate possible mitigation measures;

Estimate the magnitude of those effects;

Provide an assessment of the nature and significance of the effects in a

logical and well-reasoned fashion.

The assessment of landscape and visual impacts describes the changes in

character and quality of the landscape and visual resources resulting from the

proposed solar PV arrays and ancillary development. The landscape impact

addresses changes in the fabric, character and key characteristics of the landscape,

whereas the visual impact addresses changes in views and the significance of those

changes on people.

The LVIA for the Sandpool Farm site looks at the potential effects of the solar PV

array locations in the context of their impacts on the underlying landscape resource,

and with mitigation measures. Public viewpoints (there were no identified residential

receptors) were selected through an initial site visit and desk study process and

tested on site, culminating in the analysis of eight viewpoints within a radius of

approximately 0.5km from the centre of the site.


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2.2.1 Wherever possible, identified impacts are quantified but, by its very nature, the

LVIA requires a significant amount of interpretation and professional judgement. To

be consistent, the prediction of magnitude and the assessment of significance of the

landscape and visual impacts have been based on pre-defined criteria.

2.2.2 The following thresholds have been used in evaluating the significance of

landscape effects:

Magnitude

Negligible: Imperceptible change. No part of the proposal, or activity associated

with it, causes any noticeable effect.

Slight: Virtually imperceptible change. Minor loss of, or alteration to, one ormore key elements/features/characteristics of the landscape.

Moderate: Moderate changes. Partial loss of, or alteration to, one or more keyelements/features/characteristics of the landscape.

Substantial: Noticeable change in landscape elements or characteristics over awide area. Total loss of, or major alteration to, one or more keyelements/features/characteristics of the landscape in a more limitedarea.

Sensitivity

Negligible: No part of the proposals affects any landscape features.

Low: Unimportant landscape features tolerant of substantial change.

Medium: Moderately valued elements or characteristics tolerant of somechange.

High: Important components, likely to be protected or designated,susceptible to change.

2.2.3 Visual effects have been assessed using the following thresholds in order to

evaluate the significance of impact. The magnitude of impact of the view is based on

the overall extent of the visibility. Factors such as distance from the development,

duration of impact, screening, angle of view, backdrop to the development and

extent of other built development are considered in respect of the magnitude of view:


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Magnitude

Negligible: No part of the proposal, or activity associated with it, causes anynoticeable effect to any observers.

Slight: Minor changes in the view. Few people affected.

Moderate: Moderate changes in the view. Many observers affected.

Substantial: Major changes in views. High numbers of observers affected.

Sensitivity

Negligible: No part of the proposals affects any observers.

Low: Receptors such as people at places of work, from roads or moving incars.

Medium: Receptors such as people observing from homes at middle distances,or during passive recreational activities which would be distracted.

High: Receptors such as frequently used public rights of way, either close toor within the site. Residential properties with close open views fromfrequently used rooms or gardens.

2.2.4 The significance of impact can be expressed as a correlation between

magnitude of change/impact and landscape or visual sensitivity in a single matrix to

determine significance as shown in Table 1 (below). However, it must be noted thatthe matrix is not in itself a substitute for professional judgement which must be

allowed for. The calculation of a significant impact need not be unacceptable or

negative. Where possible an assessment is made as to whether the significance of

impact is positive or negative, although in some cases the change is neither positive

nor negative. Although mitigation measures are often proposed where the

significance of impact is minor or none, it is the major and major/moderate

categories which provide the highest level of significance in terms of impact on the

landscape and visual resources. Therefore, it is the major and major/moderate

categories that are considered significant impacts as referred to in The Town and

Country (Environmental Impact Assessment)(England and Wales) Regulations 1999

and 2011.


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Table 1: Significance of Impact as a correlation of sensitivity and magnitude

applicable to both change to the landscape resource and visual impact

Magnitude of landscape change / visual impact

Substantial Moderate Slight Negligib le

Landscapeor

Visual

Receptor

Sensitivity

High Major Major Moderate Negligible

Medium Moderate Moderate Minor Negligible

Low Moderate Minor Minor Negligible


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3. Baseline Landscape and Visual Resources

3.1 The Development Site and Study Area (See Fig 1 Site Location Plan)

The Sandpool Farm Solar Array project is located in the County of Gloucestershire,

under the administrative control of Cotswold District Council. The proposed solar PV

array site comprises approximately 2.1ha of improved/poor semi-improved pasture

established on previous landfill in a single holding at Sandpool Farm, forming part of

the Lower Moor farm Nature Reserve near Minety (at GL7 6EA and OS Grid

Reference: SU 016940 / E:40695 N:194020).

The site lies on gently undulating land at an average altitude of 87m Above Ordnance

Datum (AOD). The landscape of the surrounding area is dominated by numerous

medium-sized man-made lakes formed as part of the afteruse/restoration of mineralworkings (J urassic Limestone Gravel). There are also numerous well-hedged fields

with Ash and Oak standards, a few scattered semi-natural woodland blocks and tree

belts, and some important wetland marsh grazing habitats. The field immediately to

the south of the application site is a prime example of enclosed lowland grassland,

farmed traditionally without artificial fertilisers, and is recognised as a hay meadow of

international importance and designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

(separate to the other Cotswold Water Park SSSIs). The flat nature of the

surrounding landscape and the abundance of mature hedgerow, tree belt and

woodland/copse vegetation result in a landscape that is enclosed and medium scale

in nature, with most wider/more expansive views typically available across water.

There is very little inter-visibility or visual connection between the various lakes and

the small pastoral fields, each being well enclosed by mature stands of vegetation.

The site is neither within, nor directly bordering, any nationally designated protected

landscapes (such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or a National

Park). The site lies within a recently designated non-statutory site for nature

conservation, the Sandpool Farm Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Nature Reserve.

(No direct or indirect impacts are anticipated on these designations - see AD Ecology

Limiteds Ecological Appraisal dated December 2012 for details).

Located towards the southern edge of the Cotswold Water Park, the application site

lies approximately 1.0km south west of the hamlet of Somerford Keynes and

approximately 3.0km to the west of the village of Ashton Keynes. Approximately

3.0km to the south are the small villages of Minety and Upper Minety. The regions


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Principal Urban Area is Cirencester, the centre of which lies approximately 8km to

the north.

No Public Rights of Way cross the site although there is a minor road, Ashton Lane,

adjacent to the eastern boundary, and there is a footpath along field boundaries to

the south.

.

3.2 Topographical Features

The application site lies within the South Cerney and Ashton Keynes Settled

Wetlands Landscape Character Area (LCA) of the Cotswold Water Park Integrated

Landscape Character Assessment. It is typified by a low lying, flat to very gently

undulating, floodplain landscape underlain by extensive deposits of alluvial clay andgravel. Isolated hillocks associated with exposures of Oxford Clay form locally

significant features.

3.3 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage (See Ecological Appraisal AD Ecology

Limiteds Ecological Appraisal dated December 2012 for details).

The Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) and Gloucestershire

Centre for Environmental Records (GCER) provided summary information relating todesignated sites located within 1km of the study area. These identified that the study

area itself is not covered by any international, national or local nature conservation

designations, although it does form part of Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts (WWT) Lower

Moor Farm Nature Reserve. The following designated sites occur within 1km of the

study area:

North Meadow & Clattinger Farm SAC: a number of unimproved ancient

meadows amounting to approximately 105ha.

Clattinger Farm Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI): Approximately 60ha of

Unimproved hay meadow.

Cotswold Water Park SSSI: A series of lakes primarily created through gravel

abstraction.

Swill Brook Lake 46/48 Key Wildlife Site (KWS): less than 0.25ha of lakes, gravel

pits & reservoirs.

Swill Brook KWS: 4.2ha of river.

Cotswold Water Park KWS: lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs over 0.25ha.


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Neigh Bridge, Somerford Keynes, Conservation Road Verge Register:

Floristically Rich Verge.

Lower Moor Farm WWT Nature Reserve: 25ha of Neutral grassland.

Oaksey Moor Farm Meadows WWT Reserve.

Records of rare, protected and notable species within 1km of the study area were

also provided by the WSBRC and the GCER. Over 225 pages (more than 2500

records) were provided by the biological records centres dating from 1999 to 2010.

The majority of these records relate to the surrounding watercourses, unimproved

meadows (Clattinger Meadow, etc), water-filled gravel pits and associated

woodland/scrub, water-bodies (ponds, Swill Brook, River Thames, Flaghan Brook

and gravel pit lakes 46, 48, 57, etc).

3.4 Historic Character

Where still intact, the field patterns are a typical patchwork of small to medium sized

pastoral fields, exhibiting elements from the irregular medieval boundaries. There are

also a few scattered farmsteads, some of which (such as Lower Moor Farm) retain

some of their original infrastructure. However, most of the surrounding area is

dominated by the former mineral extraction sites and their subsequent flooding, or arestoration to pasture where the landform has been re-contoured following landfill

operations.

There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) within the site or directly

affected by the proposals, nor any whose settings would be affected by the

development proposals. There are no recorded historic parks of local significance,

nationally registered parks or gardens of significance, nor any other listed structures

in the vicinity of the application site. There are no tree preservation orders (TPOs)

affected by the proposals.

3.5 Settlement Pattern and Transport Links

This is a well-settled landscape, the local settlement pattern being characterised by

dispersed farmsteads and, further afield, scattered villages and hamlets connected

by occasionally winding, hedged lanes, but more often by straighter roads defined by

the man-made water bodies. The study area does not contain any main roads.


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However, the landscape is incised some 1.5km to the south west of the application

site by the mainline railway connecting Swindon with Stroud/Gloucester, although

this has no visual connection with the site. The nearest sizeable settlement is

Roman town of Cirencester, the centre of which is approximately 8.0km to the north.

There are a number of comparatively recent developments in the vicinity for holiday

homes/lets associated with a number of the man-made lakes, some of which are still

being constructed.

3.6 Landscape Character(See DLA Fig 5).

In 1996, Natural England (then the Countryside Commission and English Nature)

undertook a project to define the character of England, and produced joint character

maps which became the Character of England Map. As part of its responsibilities indelivering the Natural Environment White Paper, Biodiversity 2020 and the European

Landscape Convention, Natural England is currently revising its National Character

Area (NCA) profiles. To this end revised profiles for each of the 159 areas will be

published by April 2014. The site will remain Character Area 108: Upper

Thames Clay Vales. The interim Key Facts and Data description (i.e. prior to

the publication of the full revised profile) of the Upper Thames Clay Vales

(NCA 108) sets out the following key characteristics for the area:

Low-lying and undulating clay vale landscape. Largely mixed and pastoral farming poorly drained heavy clay soils largely

under grass.

Arable fields restricted to better drained soils on the gravel terraces.

100% of the NCA falls within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. Woodlands are small, scattered and predominantly on higher ground.

Field boundaries are a significant feature in this farmed landscape. Regular and well-ordered field pattern exists as a result of Parliamentary

Enclosure.

Grass and uncropped land is the highest land use cover, and predominant farmtype is grazing livestock.

The Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment was completed in 2009

and provides the smallest scale; it is, therefore, the most appropriate study of the

area around the application site. It has broken the National Character Areas into

Landscape Types and then into more specific Landscape Character Areas which are

most pertinent to the planning process.


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The application site and core study area falls within the River Basin Clay Vale

Landscape Character Type which is, in turn, subdivided into 5 Landscape Character

Areas (LCAs). The core study area is within the South Cerney and Ashton Keynes

Settled Wetland (LCA 3A), and is detailed below:

South Cerney and Ashton Keynes LCA 3A

The character of this LCA is mainly derived from the combination of existing settled

landscape of small, mainly stone built village settlements within a dynamic and

evolving wetland landscape, largely shaped by a long period of gravel and sand

extraction.

Despite the number of lakes, the visual influence of these within the wider landscapecontext of the area is often limited by adjacent regenerating scrub vegetation and

areas of woodland that restrict views towards the water bodies from neighbouring

settlements and local roads. This has resulted in a medium scale landscape which

feels enclosed. A network of minor roads align with the lakes, broadly running north-

south or east-west and, combined, this gives the landscape a strong pattern.

The numerous water bodies within the South Cerney, Ashton Keynes and Somerford

Keynes section of the Cotswold Water Park have a very important natureconservation value, with several SSSI designations.

The creation of the Cotswold Water Park has enabled a proliferation of recreational

opportunities in the area with numerous yacht clubs, sailing schools, angling clubs

and nature reserves. Despite some attempts at lakeside planting in order to

naturalise them, many of the water bodies have been poorly integrated into the wider

landscape.

The main settlements in the LCA (Ashton Keynes, Somerford Keynes and South

Cerney) have retained their historic cores, designated conservation areas, and are

typified by local vernacular and Cotswold limestone buildings with some modern

development as both infill and extension to their periphery.


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3.7 Landscape Planning Context

Planning policy matters are dealt with fully in the Planning Statement by LPC (Trull)

Ltd under separate cover. The site falls within open countryside which is not covered

by any statutory landscape designations. However, the landscape policies contained

within the Cotswold District Local Plan 2001-2011 Saved Policies 2009 are

pertinent.

Policy UT.1 deals with the Cotswold Water Park as a whole and states that:

Within the Cotswold Water Park, shown on the Proposals Map and relevant Insets,proposals for nature conservation, water-based sport, recreation, tourism, and otherdevelopment which accords with the policies of this Plan, will be permitted if thefollowing criteria are satisfied:

(a) the maintenance or enhancement of the nature conservation importance ofthe Water Park, particularly in relation to the lakes and associated habitatslisted in the Cotswold Water Park Biodiversity Action Plan, which may involvemeasures to enhance the long term conservation value of a site that is thesubject of an application for planning permission or other land and/or waterwithin the Water Park;

(b) where appropriate, habitat enhancement and the creation of new habitats,which may involve measures to enhance the long term conservation value ofa site that is the subject of an application for planning permission or otherland and/or water within the Water Park;

(c) the retention and, where appropriate, the enhancement of existinglandscape features that contribute to the character and/or appearanceof the site subject to an application;

(d) the design and siting of new buildings being sympathetic to thecharacter of the area and avoiding harm to the landscape;

(e) the development having a direct relationship to the use of the Water Park fornature conservation, water-based sport, tourism and recreation;

(f) the prevention of the over-dominance of one particular activity, or one type ofprovision, or the significant reduction in the choice of sites available for usesand activities that are not adequately provided for within the Cotswold WaterPark; and

(g) the provision of appropriate contributions towards the maintenance of thenature conservation importance of the Water Park, habitat enhancement andthe creation of new habitats, and the overall management of the Water Park.


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3.8 Visual Considerations and Viewpoints

The consideration of proposed development on visual amenity was initially

undertaken as part of the desk study, and this was then tested at the site visit. It was

identified that there would potentially be views from PRoW to the south and east of

the site and that the most significant view was likely to be adjacent to the entrance to

the permissive right of way on Ashton Lane, where there would be likely views into

the site looking directly onto the front face of the arrays. It was soon apparent that the

nature of local topography (the flatness of the surrounding area) and intervening

tree and hedgerow cover would restrict any readily available views beyond the study

area boundary. The following key receptors were considered during the desk study:

Landscape character;

Woodlands, trees and hedgerows; Residential properties/farmsteads;

Roads and PRoW;

Viewpoints were visited in October 2012 and the following locations were taken as

representative (see Figures 7 and Fig 8 Viewpoint Sheets 1 to 8):

Close views from the public minor roadway (Ashton Lane) adjacent to the

sites eastern boundary.

Medium distance views from footpaths on the edge of fields to the south

and south west of the site.

It should be noted that this is an unusually concise area of study that was determined

by the sites extremely visually enclosed nature due to the significant amount of

intervening vegetation in a flat surrounding landscape.


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4. Development Strategy

4.1The factors which have been carefully considered and have influenced the

development strategy include the following:

landform/topography;

vegetation cover and type;

public views and visual impacts;

seasonality;

solar PV array, and ancillary building and fence design;

4.2 Solar PV array design (See also Appendix 1).

4.2.1 The proposed solar array will cover 2.1ha of low grade agricultural land. Thetotal panel area would be 6,780m, comprising 4,186 240W polycrystalline panels,

which are mounted on aluminium frames between 1m and 2.5m above the ground, at

a 30 degree angle in south facing rows, with 6.6m of clear space between the

rows. The frames are secured to the ground using helical piles at a depth of 1m. No

concrete will be used in the installation of the array and the helical piles are easily

removed at the end of the life of the solar array. The array would have a maximum

output of 1MW which could generate enough clean electricity to power the

equivalent of approximately 255 homes.

Full details of the solar PV array design and layout drawings are included at

Appendix 1. See also the Design and Access Statement accompanying the planning

application.

4.2.2 Design, mass, colour and texture will all individually influence visual impact.

There is limited opportunity to significantly change the design. Solar PV arrays are

not cited as typical features in the character area but they are becoming increasingly

common as an alternative, renewable source of electrical power in the agricultural

landscapes of south west England and the southern coastal counties of England and

Wales.

4.2.3 Reflecti vity (See also Appendix 2).

The nature of the Solar PV panel is such that reflectivity is kept to a minimum. The

concept of efficient solar power is to absorb as much light as possible while

reflecting as little light as possible, standard solar module produces less glare and


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reflectance than standard window glass. Solar modules use high-transmission, low

iron glass which absorbs more light, producing smaller amounts of glare and

reflectance than normal glass. Common construction materials, such as steel and

glass, and many features of the natural environment, such as water and grass, have

a higher reflectivity than Solar PV arrays. As such, the undertaking of a glint and

glare assessment for Solar PV arrays, when one would not be undertaken for

constructions such as greenhouses, unpainted metal roofing, or a pond or reservoir,

is considered unnecessary. Indeed, many, if not all, features surrounding a Solar PV

array will have a higher reflectivity than the array itself.

4.2.4The agricultural use of the field is not lost, with a potential for possible future

livestock grazing the grassland between and under the rows of PV cells. The lengthof each row will vary according to their position within the field and the degree of

shade from surrounding tree cover.

4.3 Existing buildings

There are no existing buildings within the application sites boundary, although there

are a small number of agricultural buildings and timber clad buildings associated with

the nature reserve to the west of the site, within the applicants ownership. There are

no residential properties within 0.5km of the site. Between 0.5 and 1.0km distantthere are a small number of isolated farmsteads and houses, none of which have

visibility of the site. There is, therefore, no requirement to consider standoffs to

reduce the impact on residential receptors.

4.4 Landform/topography/landuse (See Figure 3)

Currently the site is laid down to pasture over restored landfill. It has been

maintained as an overspill grazing area for cattle during wet conditions in order to

safeguard the protected species-rich hay meadow that lies to the south.

The application site is separated into two distinct parcels by a post and wire fence

that subdivides the site into two proposed solar PVA areas. A section of this fence

runs parallel to a narrow band of scrub which sits in the trough between two shallow

ridges, and is met by a recently planted native hedgerow, planted in a double

staggered row and protected by a double-row post and wire fence. This new planting

links with the southern field boundary (demarcated by a post and wire fence).


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Each array area is set on one of the aforementioned shallow ridges. These have a

level change of approximately 3m from the surrounding base field level. Hedgerows

and tree belts on the boundaries to the north, east and west, along with the

underlying flat landform of the surrounding area, ensure that the site has an

extremely limited visual envelope. Whilst there are a few substantially obscured

views from the minor road adjacent to the sites eastern boundary, these are

extremely limited and unlikely to be noted unless specifically looked for. The visual

envelope does not extend beyond either the northern or southern boundaries, whilst

to the west views are possible only from the areas of the nature reserve land (also

under the applicants ownership).

4.5 Vegetation cover (See Ecological Appraisal by AD Ecology Limited under

separate cover).

The landscape and visual impacts of the development areas are limited due to the

topographic and land-cover features discussed above. The vegetation on the site is

predominantly on the boundaries comprising deciduous native hedgerows and

standard Oak and Ash trees. There is the area of scrub and newly planted hedgerow

which subdivides the site in two and which is retained under the proposals.

Seasonality is an important factor in determining the mitigation effects of existing and

proposed planting. Protection of the hedges and trees to BS:5837(2012) Trees in

Relation to Construction should be considered in the development proposals and the

location of the PV arrays, fencing and any ancillary structures/buildings (none

scheduled) should be avoided within the root protection areas of all retained trees

and hedges. All access tracks and cabling routes must comply with the above

BS:5837(2012) and, where appropriate, the NJ UG guidelines on trenching close to

trees (Trees and Utilities Volume 4: NJ UG Guidelines for the Planning, Installation

and Maintenance Of Utility Apparatus In Proximity To Trees (Issue 2) Operatives

Handbook).


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5. Landscape and Visual Appraisals (See DLA Fig 6 Visual Analysis/ZVI)

5.1 Selected viewpoints

The landscape effects and visual impact of the proposed Solar PV array locations

have been appraised using viewpoints from key locations on roads and PRoW from

where the desk study suggested that the site may be visible. The selected viewpoints

are considered to be appropriate for the scale of the development and the prevailing

topography and land cover. They enable an accurate assessment of the effects of

the development on landscape features and character, and the visual impact, to be

undertaken. However, the views are representative and not totally exclusive. The

analysis of the viewpoints has been used to inform a mitigation strategy to limit or

minimise negative impacts, and to enhance the visual amenity of the landscape.

The viewpoints selected can be used to predict possible impacts from PRoW, roads

and the nearest dwellings to the site. All the photographs were taken using a digital

equivalent of a 50mm focal length traditional 35mm SLR lens to represent most

accurately the views as seen by the human eye, and were taken during mid October

when leaf cover was already becoming less effective. Therefore seasonality will be a

factor in the assessment.

In total eight viewpoints were selected from public vantage points on the survey

route, representing a range of directions, distances and receptor types. Where

intended viewpoints were restricted by topography or intervening vegetation,

photographs were still taken to demonstrate the effects of this screening. The

precise locations of viewpoints were identified in the field, and were chosen to

illustrate a worst case scenario. For example, if the site of the proposed

development cannot be seen from a lane because of a high hedge several hundredmetres long, but there is one gateway in it with a view towards the site, then this

gateway is used as a viewpoint.


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22

5.2 Viewpoint fi ndings (Figures 6, 7 & 8)

5.2.1 Landscape and Visual Effects

VPs 1& 2 Close views from Ashton Lane on the sites eastern boundary.

From these public vantage points landscape impacts will be extremely limited, with

only very glimpsed substantially obscured views into the site possible during winter

months with some natural thinning of the vegetation. Without mitigation this will

result in a slight change in a landscape of medium to high sensitivity (due to the

nature of the users). The magnitude of impact will be minor. With mitigation (see

below), the magnitude of change will be reduced to negligible and the significance of

the change will also be negligible therefore (i.e. resulting in a no change situation).

Potential landscape and visual effects are thus considered negligible in terms of the

LVIA methodology.

Mitigation

Augment the hedgerow with additional infill planting using a native hedgerow mix.

This mix should include low growing understorey species such as Guelder Rose and

native evergreen species such as Holly. The site boundary hedges should be

managed at a minimum height of 3.0m, and young Ash and Oak (Quercus robur)

planted to add a continuity to hedgerow tree stocks.

VP 3 Close view from Ashton Lane adjacent to entrance of permissive right of way,

looking into of site.

The users of the road (Ashton Lane), including recreational walkers and cyclists, and

the parallel footpath whose entrance is adjacent to this, will have a proprietary

interest in their surroundings. Receptor sensitivity is therefore considered moderate

to high, and without mitigation the proposals will be clearly visible and the magnitude

of landscape and visual change will be moderate. Therefore the significance of these

changes upon the landscape resource will also be moderate. With mitigation this canbe reduced to changes of negligible significance, whereby the development will

ultimately be effectively screened, so the significance will also become negligible.

This results in a no change situation.

Mitigation

None required.


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23

An area of native thicket planting has been recently established adjacent to the

entrance of the permissive right of way. This will in time mitigate public/views into

the site.

VPs 4-6 Close views from within the applicants land ownership boundary.

These views document the substantial vegetation screens to the perimeters of the

application site and the change in internal topography where the landform has been

re-contoured to create the two shallow ridges. This land is accessed via permissive

rights only and is therefore not considered a public vantage point. Users of the

nature reserve will have clear views of the development, and interpretation boards

will explain the overall ethos behind it, how it fits in with WWTs aims, and links with

other green initiatives already employed within the reserve and at Lower Moor Farmnearby (also a WWT site).

Mitigation:

Erect interpretation boards.

VP 7 Medium distance view from entrance to Lower Moor Farm, west of Sandpool

Farm.

Due to intervening vegetation there will be no landscape or visual impacts from thisviewpoint.

Mitigation:

None required.

VP 8 Medium distance view adjacent to public footpath on southern edge of

Mallard south-west of Sandpool Farm

Due to intervening vegetation there will be no landscape or visual impacts from these

viewpoints.

Mitigation:

None required.


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5.3 Summary of Landscape Impacts

Landscape sensitivity from within the sites immediate environs is extremely

localised: when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape, the solar array

development would introduce a new and alien element into the landscape when

viewed from the gap at the entrance to the permissive right of way, in the south-

eastern corner of the appraisal site. With mitigation, however, the landscape impacts

at this point will become negligible.

The mature hedgerow/tree belt on the boundary with Ashton Road, despite its

significant depth, does thin out slightly in places during winter months. With

mitigation (infill planting/augmentation) effects will be negligible.

Part of the site borders a nature reserve, also within the applicants ownership, but

the development will not affect the efficacy of this as a wildlife/ornithological habitat,

or its managers and visitors provided adequate interpretation is provided. There is

no further inter-visibility between the application site and the surrounding publicly

accessible landscape.

The development of solar PV arrays at Sandpool Farm will have no perceivable

impacts upon the key landscape characteristics of the South Cerney and AshtonKeynes Settled Wetland LCA.

Mitigation recommendations therefore take the form of enhancements to the existing

hedgerows.

5.4 Summary of Visual Impacts

Views towards the development site are restricted by dense hedge and tree cover.

The flat landform typical of the LCA further restricts views from the sites immediate

environs, other than from a few very localised points from Ashton Road on the

eastern boundary through thinner sections of hedgerow/tree belt. The only clear

views of the proposals would be from the gap in boundary vegetation at the gated

entrance to the permissive right of way in the south east corner of the appraisal site.

Whilst this will only afford a glimpsed view to drivers and passengers of cars, cyclists

and particularly recreational walkers will be able to stop as see into the site. In each

instance, landscape and visual impacts can be adequately mitigated for with the


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25

implementation of appropriate landscape mitigation planting. There are no predicted

cumulative impacts with other developments.

Therefore the locating of solar PV arrays at Sandpool Farm can be adequately

mitigated by existing trees and hedges, gapped up and restored with additional trees

and hedgerow sections as necessary. By maintaining the height of the field

boundary hedges at 2.5m to 3.0m, views into the site can effectively be screened.

Only stock fencing for the livestock is used and any ancillary structures/buildings,

such as the small secure container-like structure to house the transformer and

switch gear will painted with a dark, matt grey finish, to reduce their impact and

reflectivity.

Lighting is not an issue with the development and therefore there will be no night time

effects from light spill or point light sources.


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6. Landscape Strategy and Mitigation proposals (See Figure 9)

The landscape strategies described in this section have been designed to mitigate

potential negative impacts resulting from the development. There is no specific

management guidance or environmental mitigation targets for the South Cerney and

Ashton Keynes Settled Wetland LCA set out in the Cotswold Water Park Integrated

Landscape Character Assessment 2009.

6.1.1 Detailed proposals (Figure 9)

1. The existing native hedges on all field boundaries will be retained and

maintained at a minimum height of between 2.5m and 3.0m and gapped up as

appropriate. The gaps should be infilled with a traditional native hedging species,

planted in a double staggered row at 45cm centres. The plants will be 60 90cmin height at planting and comprise a mix similar to the following: 70% Hawthorn

(Crataegus monogyna), 10% Field Maple (Acer campestre), 10% Hazel (Corylus

avellana), 5% Holly (Ilex aquifolium), which will be pot grown, and 5% Guelder

Rose (Viburnum opulus). Additional English Oak (Quercus robur) and Ash

(Fraxinus excelsior) trees will be added to the hedge lines, as shown on the

landscape strategy plan (Figure 9) and will be planted as 1.5m feathered whips

and staked. The trees should be of rootballed or pot grown stock. All trees and

hedgerow plants will be appropriately staked, guarded and kept weed free until

established.

2. To views into the site from Ashton Lane, a new native thicket/tree belt mix

(planted at 750mm centres, tubed and guarded) has already been planted and

will reduce potential oblique views into the site.

3. During the first five years of planting, the landscape scheme will be inspected

seasonally, and any damaged, stolen, dying or diseased stock will be replaced

no later than the next available planting season, in order to achieve a stocking

rate of not less than 85%.

4. Habitat enhancement measures to the grassland may include proposals to

replant the land beneath the solar PV arrays with a herb-rich grassland mix

suitable for the clay soils of the site area. A mix such as Emorsgate EM4

Meadow mix for clay soils (or similar as detailed in para 6.7.1 grassland within

solar pva in Ecological Appraisal by AD Ecology Limited, December 2012) would


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27

be appropriate for this project. The recreated meadows should ideally be

managed by grazing with livestock. (See 6.1.2 below).

5. The protection of the hedges and trees is considered in the development

proposals and, therefore, the location of the solar PV arrays and fencing are

outside of the root protection areas of all trees and hedges as defined under the

terms of BS5837(2012) Trees in Relation to Construction. In addition, all access

tracks and cabling routes will comply with BS5837(2012) and, where

appropriate, the NJ UG guidelines on trenching close to trees. (Trees and Utilities

Volume 4: NJ UG Guidelines for The Planning, Installation and Maintenance Of

Utility Apparatus In Proximity To Trees (Issue 2) Operatives Handbook).

6.1.2 The illustrative landscape mitigation strategy (Figure 9) shows the locations of

the proposed planting and landscape management areas, as well as indicative

planting detail. If required, fully detailed ecology and landscape planting and

management plans can be conditioned by the LPA with the granting of planning

approval.


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7. Residual Impacts

7.1 Residual impacts in this case relate to the impacts of the proposed development

post construction and mitigation.

7.2 It is an important part of the existing and future management of the application

site that the hedgerows and trees should be retained and enhanced for the purposes

of biodiversity, landscape conservation and solar PV array mitigation. No boundary

trees or hedges will be lost through the development, whilst internally an area of

scrub and a recently planted native hedgerow (between the arrays) is also to be

retained.

7.4The LVIA has comprehensively assessed the impacts of solar PV arrays on the

character and appearance of the landscape. There are no cumulative impacts with

other developments. The proposed mitigation and enhancement measures relate to

the completed development. The gapping up of the hedges and new hedge and tree

planting will take between 3 and 5 five years to produce a significant screening effect.

The proposed mitigation measures may have a minor positive impact on the

character elements of the site, and upon external visual receptors, after five years.

7.5 If the use of solar PV arrays should cease, they can easily be removed, along

with all ancillary equipment, and all traces removed without affecting the mitigation

measures, thus resulting in an overall positive benefit to the character and

appearance of the application site and wider countryside.


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8. Conclusions

8.1The application site does not lie within or contain any special landscape, wildlife,

environmental, conservation or historic designation. No Tree Preservation Orders,

either provisional or confirmed, exist upon the site. The proposals will not impinge on

the efficacy of the nature reserve adjacent to the site.

8.2 No residential properties will be affected by the proposals.

8.3 Local Plan policy UT.1 is relevant to the site but is not unduly restrictive. The site

does not lie within any restrictive gap or green belt policy area. There is no inter-

visibility between the site and any protected landscapes. The Visual Analysis/ZVI(Figure 6) demonstrates that there is no potential for the development proposals to

impact upon the wider open countryside, or affect the setting of any settlements.

8.4 By reason of design, size, scale and height, the proposed development is easily

absorbed into the local area. The panels have very low reflectivity and do not have

mirrored surfaces. Therefore, the effects of glint and/or glare are inherently

minimised by the design.

8.5 The proposed and existing planting along with the management proposals will

completely screen the site from all surrounding areas. Even without mitigation,

potential visual and landscape impacts are negligible, being limited to very few

isolated locations due to intervening vegetation and topography.

8.6 The site is capable of easily absorbing the proposed development without

detriment to residential properties, the wider landscape, or visual receptors around

the site.


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REFERENCES:

Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2nd edition The

Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and

Assessment (SPON Press 2002)

Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland

The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002)

Character Map of England (J oint Character Maps) Countryside

Commission and English Nature (now Natural England)(1996)

The Development of Large Scale Solar PV Arrays in Cornwall Cornwall

Council (2010)

BS5837(2012) Trees in Relation to Construction British Standards

Institute

Trees and Utilities Volume 4: NJ UG Guidelines for The Planning, Installation

and Maintenance Of Utility Apparatus In Proximity To Trees (Issue 2)

Operatives Handbook NJ UG (2010).

Ecological Appraisal AD Ecology Limited for WWT (Dec. 2012).

Topographic Survey & sections by Brunel Surveys Ltd

Ref: 12147 500-01 & 02 dated November 2012.


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Appendix 1

Technical Details

Solar PV power at Sandpool Farm, Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire


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L O C A T I O N P L A N 1 / 2 5 0 0

S P I N

E R O

A D

W E

S T

V e h i c u l a r

a c c e s s t o s i t e

A c c e s s t r a c k t o f e e d i n g

s t a t i o n a n d p r o p o s e d

d e v e l o p m e n t a r e a

P r o p o s e d d e v e l o p m e n t

a r e a 2 . 1 h a e d g e d r e d .

S a n d p o o l P V A r r a y ,

L o w e r M o o r F a r m , S o m e r f o r d K e y n e s

L o c a t i o n p l a n & B l o c k p l a n

J a n . 2 0 1 3

1 / 2 5 0 0 a t A 2

m a r t i n @ b w c e . c o o p

B W C E / S a n d p o o l / P L / 0 1

B l u e l i n e d e n o t e s

b o u n d a r y o f

a d j o i n i n g l a n d

u n d e r s a m e o w n e r s h i p

P r o p o s e d

S w i t c h g e a r

H o u s i n g

P e d e s t r i a n a c c e s s

t o p e r m i s s i v e

r i g h t o f w a y .

W e t l a n d

C O U N T Y B O

U N D A R Y

A D J O I N I N G P R O P E R T Y

B o u n d a r y h e d g e

W e t l a n d

P r o p o s e d P V A r r a y

d e v e l o p m e n t a r e a

2 . 1 h e d g e d r e d L a r g e v e h i c l e s c a n a c c e s s

t h e s i t e f r o m S p i n e R d W e s t

t o t h e h a r d s t a n d i n g a r o u n d

t h e e x i s t i n g f e e d i n g s t a t i o n .

C o m p o n e n t s f o r t h e a r r a y

w o u l d b e t r a n s p o r t e d

f u r t h e r u s i n g f o r k l i f t s w i t h

b a l l o o n t y r e s .

D E V E L O P M E N T P R O P O S A L 1 / 2 5 0 0


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Type - AXITECH 250Size - 1640 X 992

1640

992

20mmGAP BETWEEN PANELS

4000

GROUND MOUNT SIDE ELEVATION

SHADED AREA

AXITEC 250W-DOUBLE PORTRAIT ONSTAND ALONE MOUNTING SYSTEM

AXITEC 250W-DOUBLE PORTRAIT ONSTAND ALONE MOUNTING SYSTEM

500

500

6136

15

.00

30.002150

-

Disclaimer:

This drawing isthe property ofHatch SolarLimited. Copyrightis reserved bythemand thedrawing isissued onthe conditionthat it isnotcopied, reproducedordisclosedto anyunauthorised person, wholly orin part, withoutthe written consent ofHatch SolarLimited.

Stateddimensionsto beusedif drawing scale isincorrect.All dimensionsto be verified priorto manufacture and construction.Any discrepanciesto bereportedimmediately.Existing supporting structures mustbe analysed and approvedby astructural engineer to

ensurethe loading ofall itemsproposeddoesnotexceed thedesigncapacity ofany and all

supportingmembers.

IC

IssueCodes:P = Preliminary;T = Tender;C = Construction;AB =AsBuilt

Rev Date Description of Changes

Client:

Revision:DwgNo:

D ra wnB y: Su rv ey or I nt :Scale:

DwgTitle:

Project:

ProjectRef:

Date:

33 Lea Road, Waltham Abbey,

Essex, EN9 1ES

T: +44 (0) 1992 211100

A3 DIMS INMM HATCH2009All rightsreserved

NOTES:

002

AT PJ

STEVE SHEARING

SANDPOOL FARM, NATURERESERVE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL7 6EA

18.12.121:50

STE/GL7/1212

PANEL QUANTITY:

STANDALONE SYSTEM

N


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PROPOSED CABLE TRENCHING

114492

111300

6

150

75880

98406

24900

1700 PANELSEACH ROW 6150MM APARTAREA COVERAGE-1.583 ac

2300 PANELSEACH ROW 6150MM APARTAREA COVERAGE-2.175 ac

NEW SUB STATION

Type - AXITECH 250Size - 1640 X 992

1640

992

20mmGAP BETWEEN PANELS

4000

PROPOSED CABLE TRENCHING

-

Disclaimer:

This drawing isthe property ofHatch SolarLimited. Copyrightis reserved bythemand thedrawing isissued onthe conditionthat it isnotcopied, reproducedordisclosedto anyunauthorised person, wholly orin part, withoutthe written consent ofHatch SolarLimited.

Stateddimensionsto beusedif drawing scale isincorrect.All dimensionsto be verified priorto manufacture and construction.Any discrepanciesto bereportedimmediately.Existing supporting structures mustbe analysed and approvedby astructural engineer to

ensurethe loading ofall itemsproposeddoesnotexceed thedesigncapacity ofany and all

supportingmembers.

IC

IssueCodes:P = Preliminary;T = Tender;C = Construction;AB =AsBuilt

Rev Date Description of Changes

Client:

Revision:DwgNo:

D ra wnB y: Su rv ey or I nt :Scale:

DwgTitle:

Project:

ProjectRef:

Date:

33 Lea Road, Waltham Abbey,

Essex, EN9 1ES

T: +44 (0) 1992 211100

A3 DIMS INMM HATCH2009All rightsreserved

NOTES:

003

AT PJ

STEVE SHEARING

SANDPOOL FARM, NATURERESERVE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL7 6EA

18.12.12

STE/GL7/1212

PANEL QUANTITY:

1:1250

STANDALONE SYSTEM

N


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Appendix 2

Review of Glint and Glare pertaining to Solar PV Arrays


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Review of Glint and Glare Pertaining to Solar PV Arrays

Glint and glare are defined by SunPower Corporation as follows:

- Glint: Also known as spectacular reflection, [is] produced as a direct reflection of the sun in

the surface of the Solar PV panel. This is the potential source of the visual issues regarding

viewer distraction.

- Glare: is [a] continuous source of brightness, relative to diffused lighting. This is not a direct

reflection of the sun, but rather a reflection of the bright sky around the sun. Glare is

significantly less intense than glint.

In the UK, there are no guidelines for the assessment of (or, indeed, the necessity to assess) theimpact of glint and glare. As a result, a number of sources have been consulted, amongst them,sources from the United States, Australia and Cornwall County Council (under the authority of whichconditional planning permission was granted for the development of a Solar PV array (applicationnumber: PA10/03993)).

This report argues the case that, in the majority of cases, a glint and glare assessment for static Solar

PV arrays in the UK is unnecessary.

Reflectivity

The very nature of the Solar PV panel is such that reflectivity is kept to a minimum. The concept ofefficient solar power is to absorb as much light as possible while reflecting as little light as possible,standard solar module produces less glare and reflectance than standard window glass. [] Solarmodules use high-transmission, low iron glass which absorbs more light, producing small amounts ofglare and reflectance than normal glass

i. As shown in the graphs below (figures one and two)

common construction materials, such as steel and glass, and many features of the natural

Figure One: Comparative

Reflection Analysisii Figure Two: Analysis of Typical Material Reflectivity iii

environment, such as water and grass, have a higher reflectivity than Solar PV arrays. As such, theundertaking of a glint and glare assessment for Solar PV arrays, when one would not be undertakenfor constructions such as greenhouses, unpainted metal roofing, or a pond or reservoir, is clearlyunnecessary. Indeed, many, if not all, features surrounding a Solar PV array will have a higherreflectivity than the array itself.

Ai rc raf tOne of the greatest concerns of a Solar PV array is the impact which is might have on aircraft flyingoverhead, owing to the angle of a static Solar PV panel. Of course, any glint and glare is dependenton aircraft altitude, relationship to the Solar PV array and the angle of the array. However, theincreasing number of airports around the world which have on-site Solar PV arrays indicates the

miniscule health and safety risk presented to air traffic. iv Solar PV arrays not located directly in, or on


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the immediate flight path into, or out of, an airport, cannot be considered to have any impact on airtraffic.

Cornwall County CouncilCornwall County Council is unique in the UK insofar as it has begun to develop a planning policypertaining to Solar PV arrays. However, it has taken the view that the development of Solar PV arrays

is similar in character to that of greenhouses, with other comparisons having been made topolytunnels.

vThese comparisons are problematic, however, as the character of Solar PV arrays is

vastly different to either greenhouses or polytunnels. They are less reflective, and will generally belower lying.

European ApproachIn other European territories, glint and glare are not considered to be material impacts. In thesecountries, glint and glare assessments only tend to be carried out in specific circumstances; not as amatter of course. For example if tracking panels are utilised, as they could cause differential diurnaland/or seasonal impacts.

vi

Practical ConsiderationsThere is no methodology, which is accepted UK-wide, with which to carry out a glint and glare

assessment of a Solar PV array prior to its construction. Wiltshire Council Strategic Planning Officershave recommended a review of the current understanding of glint and glare pertaining to Solar PVarrays. In the US, computer models have been used to assess the impact of glint and glare of majorsolar arrays, but these tend to be mirrored (which will have a far higher glint/glare impact) or trackingsystems.

vii

Landscape and Visual Mitigation

As with any major development, the construction of a Solar PV array will require that mitigationmeasures be implemented in order to decrease the landscape and visual impacts of the development.These mitigation measures, which commonly involve the planting of trees or hedgerows, or utilisingthe surrounding landform, will also reduce, or eliminate, any perceived glint and glare originating fromthe screened Solar PV array.

Sources

- Notice of Grant of Conditional Planning Permission for Application Number: PA10/03993

(Solar PV Array at site of former tin mine Wheal J ane near Truro, Cornwall).

- SOLARGEN Energy: Panoche Valley Solar Farm Project: Glint and Glare Study, 21st

May

2010

- Tessera Solar: Imperial Valley Solar Project: Glint and Glare Study, 26th

April 2010

- http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/files/62890/Nyngan%20EA%20Final%201.0%20App

endix%20F%20Report%20Part11.pdf

- http://regensw.s3.amazonaws.com/solar_parks_event_note_november_2010_cb7bd1d62596

5fdf.pdf

iAppendix B SunPower Solar Module Glare and Reflectance, from SOLARGEN Energy: Panoche Valley Solar Farm ProjectGlint and Glare Study, 21

st May 2010ii http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/files/62890/Nyngan%20EA%20Final%201.0%20Appendix%20F%20Report%20Part11.pdf. Accessed:15/02/2011iii Ibidi t

Documents

Sandpool Farm visual impact assessment.pdf