1 Introduction 3

Docking Farm Solar Project

Planning, Design and Access Statement September 2020 Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

Contents

1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 SITE CONTEXT AND EXISTING USE 4

3 THE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL 5

4 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 9

5 PLANNING ASSESSMENT 9

6 CONCLUSION 12

Appendix 1 – Environmental Impact Assessment screening opinion

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

Issue Sheet

Report Prepared for: Docking Farm Solar Limited

Docking Farm Solar Project, at Land north of The Street, Cawston

Planning, Design and Access Statement

Prepared by:

Name: Jane Crichton

Title: Senior Associate Planner (MRTPI)

Approved by:

Signature:

Name: Ian Douglass

Title: Head of Planning

Date: September 2020

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

1 Introduction 1.1 This planning statement supports a full planning application for the proposed development of a ground mounted solar farm which will cover an area of approximately 35.67 hectares on land north of The Street, Cawston on behalf of Docking Farm Solar Limited. The development includes associated infrastructure namely inverters, transformers, a DNO substation and battery storage. The farm will have an export capacity of 28 Megawatt (MW). 1.2 This statement should be read in conjunction with the following documents submitted as part of the planning application: • Application form and necessary certificates;

• Site Location Plan;

• Existing Site Plan;

• Proposed Site Plan;

• Proposed technical drawings:

• Energy Store Container PL-002 • Inverter PL-005 • Fence and Construction Roads PL-007 • Mounting Structure PL-008 • Temporary Construction Area PL-009 • Storage Container PL-010

• Site Selection Assessment (Lanpro);

• Statement of Community Involvement (Lanpro);

• Preliminary Ecological Assessment, including Mitigation Management Plan (Wild Frontier);

• Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy (Rossi Long);

• Desk Based Archaeology and Heritage Assessment (Lanpro);

• Agricultural Land Classification Report (Richard Stock); and

• Landscape Appraisal including LVIA and Landscape Mitigation Plan (Proworks).

• Traffic Impact Assessment (Rossi Long)

1.3 This planning statement addresses the Development Plan and material planning considerations. 1.4 The applicant has obtained an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion in accordance with Schedule 2 3 (a) Energy Industry of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (ref: 20201012 please refer to Appendix 1 for a copy). This confirmed that the development was not considered to constitute EIA development, therefore this application does not require to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement. The development has been subject to pre-application discussions with Broadland District Council.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

2 Site Context and Existing Use 2.1 The application site (the site) covers an area of approximately 35.67 hectares and is located north of The Street, Cawston. The site is located south of the village of Oulton Street north of Cawston. The site falls within the parish of Cawston and borders the parishes of Oulton and Heydon. 2.2 The proposed site comprises three agricultural fields. The site is bounded to the east and west by agricultural land. To the south west is Bluestone Plantation and to the north are a number of poultry sheds. To the north west there is a ground mounted solar farm. The permission for this development (ref 20150952), allowed development of over 17.1ha but only part of it has been built. Therefore, the permission is extant and the remaining phases can still be built out. The Street runs along the eastern boundary which connects Cawston/Southgate and Oulton Street. The B1149 runs along the southern boundary is the main route between Holt and Horsford which is on the outskirts of Norwich. Both of these roads are subject to national speed limit (60mph). 2.3 The nearest residential dwellings are located to the north east of the site and is surrounded by a large number of trees which separate it from the site; and to the south west of the site which is located at the junction of The Street and the B1149. Along the north eastern boundary the hedge line is also dispersed with trees. The hedgerows are in good condition and have been left to grow to a reasonable height. To the north west of the site there is a small plantation of trees which is fairly dense. 2.4 There are no Public Rights of Way (PRoW) which run through the site and adjacent to it. The nearest is Marriott’s Way which is approximately 660m south east of the site. Given the nature of Marriotts Way being an old railway line, it sits lower than the surrounding land along large parts of it. The part of it closest to the site has substantial vegetation including hedgerows and trees on both sides of the route which means there are no views from it to the site. 2.5 There are overhead power lines which cross the site in a north/south direction. These serve the project’s point of connection into UKPN’s 33kV grid. 2.6 The site is within flood zone 1 as identified on the Governments Flood Risk maps but does have two small areas at risk of surface water flooding in accordance with mapping. 2.7 The site does not accommodate any listed buildings or Scheduled Monuments (SAM). The closest heritage assets are Heydon and Salle Conservation Area which is located on the western side of the B1149 (Bluestone Plantation is located within it). Beerhouse Farmhouse is located 520m south of the site which is Grade II. Heydon Hall is located 1000m west of the site and is a Grade II* listed Registered Park and Garden. 2.8 The nearest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is the Cawston and Marsham Heaths SSSI which is located approximately 2.8km south east of the site.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

3 The Development Proposal 3.1 This section sets out the proposed development, and the design and access elements of the scheme. 3.2 Given the vast number of renewable energy technologies available today, solar technology is one of the most favourable and is highly suited to the proposed site. Solar PV technology is relatively unobtrusive, sympathetic to the surrounding area, easy to deploy, commercially proven and reliable whilst making best use of the land. 3.3 The proposed development consists of a number of different elements which are detailed below. Solar Panels 3.4 The solar pv panels proposed will be a standard polycrystalline type which are intended for the daylight levels at this site. The installation is free draining through perimeter gaps around all panels and dispersed rainwater runoff. The proposal will comprise the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels laid out in arrays of rows running from east to west across the site, the number of these will be dictated by the finalised layout. The height of the panels will be at a maximum of 3 meters above the ground. 3.5 The mounting structure for the panels is a metal frame securely fixed to the ground. It must be capable of withstanding appropriate environmental stresses for the location, such as wind or snow loading. The panels will be fixed on the mounting frame. The structure will also provide a route for electrical wiring. 3.6 The solar panels will be installed at 25° from the horizontal. The rows will be placed at an appropriate distance apart (likely to be around 5 metres) in order to optimise solar collection per unit land area. 3.7 The mounting posts will be pile-driven approximately 1.5 metres into the ground for support, dependent on ground conditions and will be easily retrieved using similar hydraulic equipment when the solar farm is decommissioned, and the land reinstated back to agricultural land. Such supporting systems are designed to avoid the use of mass concrete foundations on site. Infrastructure 3.8 The development will also require the installation of associated infrastructure required for the running of a solar farm which includes: • 2 x Substation and DNO substation – Maximum height of 3.8m. (14.64sqm each)

• 3 x Battery storage containers – Maximum height of 3m. (29.28sqm each)

• 6 x Inverter transformers – Maximum height of 3.5m. (14.77sqm each)

• 21 x CCTV cameras – Maximum height of 3m.

• Perimeter fence – Maximum height of 2.5m.

3.9 Many of the above items are housed within a GRP type enclosure which can be colour coded to an appropriate colour if considered necessary. The site perimeter fence is typically constructed using wooden posts and wire mesh. Additional planting will be introduced for screening purposes where necessary.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

3.10 The installation of CCTV will be required onsite for insurance purposes. The CCTV will be capable of viewing the solar pv farm only (without panning angles beyond). No floodlighting will be used as the CCTV cameras detect movement and have night vision capability in accordance with insurer's requirements. These will allow for constant monitoring but will be positioned in such a way to prevent areas outside the site being monitored. The CCTV camera poles will likely be constructed in galvanised steel. As much of the equipment as possible will be colour coordinated with the landscape. Where possible it will be green in colour. 3.11 It is proposed that wildflower mix will be planted underneath the panels. Grid Connection 3.12 The solar farm will be connected to the grid via the existing 33kV overhead lines which cross the site. In addition, there is a UK Power Network’s requirement for the project to be connected to the existing substation to the north-west of the solar farm (labelled ESS on the proposed site layout plan) via a fibreoptic cable. The proposed site plan shows the proposed route of the communications cable from the Customer + DNO Substation at the south of the site, along the eastern edge of the site and across the field to the north of the solar farm. The fibreoptics communication cable would be buried at a depth of around one metre below ground level. 3.13 The location of the cable in the field to the north of the solar farm would be between five and ten metres from the field boundary to make sure there is not any impact on trees or hedges. Site Access 3.14 The proposed access arrangements for the site will consist of an entrance to the site via an existing farm access point from The Street and then exit further south which is a new access point to be created. Both are located along the eastern boundary. 3.15 The main traffic generation will be during the construction period which will be relatively short, and a construction management plan can be prepared to provide routing and traffic generation details as part of the formal application. 3.16 Once operational, traffic movements would be minimal with only maintenance access required. Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) 3.17 To ensure the potential construction impacts are minimised, the preparation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is proposed prior to construction to ensure any potential impacts are minimised. The CEMP will outline the allocated responsibilities, procedures and requirements for site environmental management. It will include relevant site-specific method statements, operating practices, and arrangements for monitoring and liaison with local authorities and stakeholders. 3.18 The main contractors undertaking the construction of the development will need to adopt and comply with the CEMP, allocate environmental management responsibilities to a site manager and ensure that all sub-contractors activities are effectively managed in accordance with the CEMP. 3.19 The applicant has provisionally indicated where the site construction compound will be located along the eastern boundary. Operation & Maintenance 3.20 Once the solar farm is operational, traffic generated by it will be limited to that associated with occasional maintenance work.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

3.21 Movement within the site will be by way of quad bike or small, farm utility vehicle. The Electricity Board will visit the site from time to time to check the apparatus. No on-site staff will be required to operate the solar farm and no staff offices or maintenance buildings needed within or near to the site. Some permanent equipment for monitoring the site will be held in one of the transformer enclosures and/or grid connection cabinet. Whilst this would typically be accessed remotely, it would be available for occasional physical access during routine visits. 3.22 The land between each row of cells and on the fringes of the site will likely be seeded with a wildflower mix. 3.23 Noise impact is limited to the construction phase of the development, there would be minor impacts generated by the vehicle movements across the site coupled with the installation of equipment. Decommissioning 3.24 The scheme has been designed to have the lightest possible impact on the land in terms of structural loading. At the end of a 40-year period the structure, including all ancillary equipment and cabling, would be carefully dismantled and removed from the site. Materials would be reused or taken to an appropriate location for recycling or disposal. The site would be reinstated for full agriculture use. Ecological Enhancements

3.25 The site is comprised of arable fields which are considered to be of low ecological value. The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey identifies that the main parts of the site are of low ecological value. There are several trees on the boundaries which have low to moderate potential for roosting bats, but it is unlikely that the development will impact the trees. 3.26 The survey found that the site contained habitats which offer limited opportunities for protected species. They do contain some secondary value for foraging. The land underneath and between the arrays will be seeded with a wildflower mix which will enhance the ecological value of the site. Landscaping 3.27 Given the scale of the development, the impact that the solar farm will have on the landscape context and the visual impact was a prime consideration. At the feasibility stage, the site was assessed to establish where the key viewpoints were into and out of the site to identify where potential mitigation planting would be needed. This established that the site is well contained and has a good level of screening from trees and hedges from most viewpoints with just a few points where gaps need to be filled in and reinforced. This is described below. 3.28 The Landscape Mitigation Plan, contained within the Landscape Assessment describes the following procedure for native hedgerow reinforcement: o At places where the density of the existing hedgerows have started to decline, and at places the hedgerow discontinues (gap) all hedgerows to the periphery of the site shall be reinforced with a double staggered row of hedging plants @ 5 plants/m2 with 300mm offset and 400mm centres. Specification to be bare root plants at planted 175-200cm height. All new hedgerow shall be allowed to grow to attain 350m height and shall be maintained at this final height. Species mix shall be: • 50% Crategus monogyna (Hawthorn) • 10% Corylus avellana (Hazel) • 10% Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn)

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

• 10% Rosa canina (Dog Rose) • 10% Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) • 10% Sambucus nigra (Elder)

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

4 Planning Policy Context 4.1 Under Section 38 of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (‘The 2004 Act’), the determination of planning applications must be in accordance with the approved development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. This chapter identifies the national and local planning policies that provide the framework within which any planning application will be made. This chapter also summaries the relevant Government legislation, energy policies and targets which support development of renewable energy proposals. National Planning Policy 4.2 National planning policy is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which was published in March 2012. The NPPF has since undergone consultation and subsequently a revised submission was published in February 2019. This provides a framework within which regional and local policy is set. 4.3 The NPPF sets out that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, identifying that sustainable development consists of economic, social and environmental roles. 4.4 Paragraph 11 advises that plans and decisions should apply a presumption in favour of sustainable development. For decision making this means approving development which accords with the local development plan without delay. Where there are no relevant policies of the policies are out of date, permission should be granted unless: • The application of policies in the NPPF that protect areas or assets of particular importance provides a clear reason for refusal; or

• Any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the NPPF taken and a whole.

4.5 Whilst there is no specific policy for solar energy development contained in the NPPF, paragraph 148 states that the planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. "The planning system should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings, and support renewable and low carbon energy and associate infrastructure". 4.6 Paragraph 150 in relation to Planning for Climate Change states that new development should be planned in ways that: a) avoid increased vulnerability to the range of impacts arising from climate change. When new development is brought forward in areas which are vulnerable, care should be taken to ensure that risks can be managed through suitable adaptation measures, including through the planning of green infrastructure; and b) can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as through its location, orientation and design. Any local requirements for the sustainability of buildings should reflect the Government’s policy for national technical standards. 4.7 Paragraph 151 states that to help increase the use and supply of renewable and low carbon energy and heat, plans should: a) provide a positive strategy for energy from these sources, that maximises the potential for suitable development, while ensuring that adverse impacts are addressed satisfactorily (including cumulative landscape and visual impacts);

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

b) consider identifying suitable areas for renewable and low carbon energy sources, and supporting infrastructure, where this would help secure their development; and c) identify opportunities for development to draw its energy supply from decentralised, renewable or low carbon energy supply systems and for co-locating potential heat customers and suppliers. 4.8 At paragraph 154 the NPPF states that when determining planning applications for renewable and low carbon development, local planning authorities should: “a) not require applicants to demonstrate the overall need for renewable or low carbon energy, and recognise that even small-scale projects provide a valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions; and b) approve the application if its impacts are (or can be made) acceptable. Once suitable areas for renewable and low carbon energy have been identified in plans, local planning authorities should expect subsequent applications for commercial scale projects outside these areas to demonstrate that the proposed location meets the criteria used in identifying suitable areas.” 4.9 Paragraphs 170 through 173 of the NPPF highlight the need for planning policy to work to protect and enhance the natural environment. It is especially important that great care is taken to ensure that landscape value is retained and that as little damage as possible is done to any existing site of interest. 4.10 Paragraphs 174 to 177 emphasis the role of the planning system to protect and enhance habitats and biodiversity. If a significant harm to biodiversity, habitats, SSSIs, SPAs and SACs resulting from a development cannot be avoided or adequately mitigated, or compensated for, then planning permission will not be supported. Development which conserves or enhances biodiversity will be encouraged. 4.11 Paragraphs 193 to 202 concern the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment. Proposals that are likely to affect heritage assets should be subject to appropriate assessments. Development that is likely to result in a substantial harm to or total loss of significance of a designated heritage asset will not be permitted, unless it is demonstrated that the benefits of the development outweigh the harm or loss. 4.12 The Governments Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) as updated (November 2019) provides further guidance on renewable energy and in particular on large scale ground mounted solar farms. Paragraph ID 5-013 (17th March 2015) states that: “The deployment of large-scale solar farms can have a negative impact on the rural environment, particularly in undulating landscapes. However, the visual impact of a well-planned and well-screened solar farm can be properly addressed within the landscape if planned sensitively.” 4.13 It acknowledges that the site selection of any large scale solar farms should be carefully considered “where a proposal involves greenfield land, whether (i) the proposed use of any agricultural land has been shown to be necessary and poorer quality land has been used in preference to higher quality land; and (ii) the proposal allows for continued agricultural use where applicable and/or encourages biodiversity improvements around arrays.” 4.14 It states that “in the case of ground-mounted solar panels it should be noted that with effective screening and appropriate land topography the area of a zone of visual influence could be zero”.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

The Development Plan 4.15 The Joint Core Strategy for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk (adopted March 2011, amendments adopted January 2014) and Broadland District Development Management Policies (adopted 2015) constitute the relevant Development Plan for the District.

Joint Core Strategy (2011/2014) 4.16 The Adopted Core Strategy covers the period up to 2026 and is the strategic element covering all three Districts. 4.17 The policies which are considered of particular relevance to this proposal are: • Policy 1 Addressing climate change and protecting environmental assets

• Policy 2 Promoting good design

• Policy 3 Energy and water

Development Management Policies (2015) 4.18 The policies which are considered of particular relevance to this proposal are: • Policy GC1 Presumption in favour of sustainable development

• Policy GC2 Location of new development

• Policy GC4 Design

• Policy GC5 Renewable energy

• Policy EN1 Biodiversity and Habitats

• Policy EN2 Landscape

• Policy CSU5 Surface water drainage

• Policy TS3 Highway Safety

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

5 Planning Assessment 5.1 Under Section 38 of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (‘The 2004 Act’), the determination of planning applications must be in accordance with the approved development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Principle 5.2 The NPPF states that the planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future under paragraph 148. Core Strategy policy 3 states that developments shouldn’t rely on non-renewable energy. Policy GC5 of the Broadland Development Management Policies is supportive of renewable energy should be encouraged where its impacts are (or can be made) acceptable. 5.3 The site is located within an area designated as countryside in the local plan. Development Management Policy GC2 identified that development outside of settlement limits will be permitted where the development does not result in any significant adverse impact where it accords with a specific allocation and/or policy of the development plan. As noted above, the Council do not allocate any sites across the District for renewable energy technologies and policy GC5 which specifically relates to renewable energy does not restrict locations for them. Given the general scale of ground mounted solar farms, it is inevitable that these are developed on land outside of settlement limits in the countryside. 5.4 Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) paragraph 13 ID 5-013 requires local planning authorities to consider the following: “encouraging the effective use of land by focussing large scale solar farms on previously developed and non-agricultural land, provided that it is not of high environmental value; “where a proposal involves greenfield land, whether (i) the proposed use of any agricultural land has been shown to be necessary and poorer quality land has been used in preference to higher quality land; and (ii) the proposal allows for continued agricultural use where applicable and/or encourages biodiversity improvements around arrays.” 5.5 Solar farms require a relatively large land area as well as a grid connection point. This inevitably means that solar farms are more suited to a countryside than urban location, where large areas of land, or brownfield sites are typically earmarked for residential or commercial expansion. It is therefore considered that suitable sites for solar farm development will be unavoidably, outside settlement boundaries. 5.6 As noted in section 2.0, the site has a mix of agricultural land classifications across it, with a mix of 2, 3a and 3b. The Ministerial Statement in March 2015 advises that where a proposal of a solar farm involves the best and most versatile agricultural land, it will need to be justified by the most compelling evidence. It goes on to say that every application needs to be considered on its individual merits, with due process, in light of the relevant material considerations. 5.7 The application is accompanied by an Agricultural Land Classification Report and it has found that the site is made up of 3.1% grade 2, 68% grade 3a and 28.9% grade 3b agricultural land. Therefore, the site consists of 71.1% of best and most versatile and 28.9% or moderate quality agricultural land. The report does note that the site has irrigation and without the crop of sugar beet and potatoes would not be viable. Given that the majority of the site consists of best and most versatile agricultural land a Site Selection Assessment has been prepared and accompanies this planning application. 5.8 The Council has not identified any specific areas for renewable energy developments in the District, therefore the consideration on the appropriateness of a site should be done on a site by site basis.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

5.9 It should be noted that, whilst smaller, there is an existing solar farm located north of the application site, where only the 1st phase of it has been built, but the permission is extant so the remaining parts could be built out in the future. The approved solar farm is shown ion Environment Agency Maps as grade 2 and grade 3. When tested, it is a mix of grade 3a and 3b land. This demonstrates that the Council have no objection to development of ground mounted solar farms in the countryside on Grade 3 land and in this location. 5.10 Overall, it is considered that the proposals can be considered to be in accordance with policy GC2 and represents an appropriate form of development in the countryside. 5.11 In summary, whilst the site is in the countryside, it is considered that the principle of the development in this location is acceptable. Need 5.12 It is integral to planning decision-making that a balancing exercise is undertaken in respect of considering the benefits of development against impacts. Given the objective of transitioning to a low carbon future, there is a clear need for the development. 5.13 The NPPF is heavily supportive of renewable energy development. The NPPF places an over-riding emphasis on the presumption in favour of sustainable development, which this development clearly constitutes. Infrastructure, which is required to ensure the generation of renewable energy, is inherently sustainable under the NPPF. 5.14 The UK is legally bound through the Climate Change Act (2008) to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. The Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC sets targets for Member States in respect of the use of energy from renewable resources. The UK’s obligation is 15% of energy consumption from renewable energy resources by 2020. In January 2018 the EU revised the 2030 energy mix target from 27% to 35% renewables. The Development would contribute towards meeting these requirements and would also be fully supported by energy policy because it would assist in replacing outdated energy infrastructure and the move to a low carbon economy (and ultimately will assist with more affordable energy bills). 5.15 In line with the Climate Change Act 2008, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets a presumption in favour of sustainable development. 5.16 The NPPF sets out that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, identifying that sustainable development consists of economic, social and environmental roles. 5.17 Paragraph 11 advises that plans and decisions should apply a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The Development is considered to accord with the overarching principle of sustainable development, as it has a great potential to result in economic and social benefits in respect of supplying affordable, low carbon electricity. The impacts of the development on the environment will be carefully assessed and where necessary mitigated, so that it will not lead to any significant adverse effects. 5.18 Paragraph 148 states that the planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. The site has been considered as the optimal location which can maximise the energy output, while leaving minimal impact on nearby properties and the environment. 5.19 Paragraph 154 of the NPPF sets out that in order to increase the use and supply of renewable energy, LPAs should not require applicants to demonstrate the overall need for renewable or low carbon energy. LPAs should approve the application if its impacts are or can be made acceptable.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

5.20 As noted above policy GC5 is supportive of new proposals for renewable energy developments in the District. The energy generated by the proposed development will contribute to supporting growth in the region, and the carbon emissions saved as a result of generating electricity from a renewable source, would help to tackle climate change and minimise resource use. As such the proposed development would be in accordance with this policy.

Landscape 5.21 A Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisal (LVA) has been prepared to accompany the full planning application and should be referred to for full details. 5.22 Policy EN2 relates to the landscape and advises that development proposals should have regard to the Landscape Character Assessment SPD and should consider the impacts upon certain areas which include sensitive skylines, hillsides and valley sides, Conservation Areas, Historic Parks and Gardens. Development proposals should protect and enhance where appropriate. 5.23 The site is mainly arable agricultural land and species poor semi-improved grassland of low ecological value. It is bound and divided by hedgerows and mature trees, most of which are species poor, however the west south boundary consists of an intact species-rich hedgerow, approximately 2m of height. A small pocket of woodland and scrub bounds the site from the west. The topography is very gently undulating around an average altitude of 45m AOD. 5.24 In terms of landscape sensitivity the site is situated within Landscape Character Area E1: Blickling and Oulton, characterised as gently rolling landscape, predominantly of agricultural use and with long established agricultural history. Within the wider context the landscape character is one of mainly arable fields with settlements, villages and isolated farmsteads scattered with historic buildings. Large parkland estates centred on grand houses comprise a characteristic feature of the area accommodating gardens, parkland and plantations on their grounds. 5.25 Due to the gently undulating landform and the effective screening of mature hedgerows, trees and patches of woodland, a thorough visual assessment has established the visual envelope to be very condensed within close proximity of the site boundaries. The predicted landscape effects have been thoroughly assessed in section 5.1 of the LVIA and have been found to be not important. The predicted visual effects as described in the LVIA for all distant views has been found negligible. The impact to short distance views has been assessed important to moderate, however, these are expected be effectively mitigated through proposed landscape mitigation. All predicted landscape and visual effects are found reversible and no permanent or residual effects have been identified. 5.26 Therefore, the development can be considered acceptable in terms of landscape and visual effects. Heritage Assets 5.27 The site does not accommodate any listed buildings or Scheduled Monuments (SAM). The closest heritage assets are Heydon and Salle Conservation Area which is located on the western side of the B1149 (Bluestone Plantation is located within it). Beerhouse Farmhouse is located 520m south of the site which is Grade II. Heydon Hall is located 1000m west of the site and is a Grade II* listed Registered Park and Garden. 5.28 The Historic Environment Desk-Based Analysis submitted with this planning application concludes that assessment has established that the proposed development will have no impact upon any designated heritage assets in the surrounding area.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

5.29 Policy EN2 on landscape also deals with heritage assets including conservation areas, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Historic Parks and Gardens. The Historic Environment Report submitted with this planning application concludes there is some limited potential for the survival of remains dating to the early prehistoric, Iron Age and Roman periods within the study site. It is possible that buried remains relating to medieval or post- medieval agriculture could survive, such as ploughing or field boundaries, but these would be of negligible significance.

Biodiversity 5.30 The site is made up on three fields. An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey has been undertaken and accompanies this application. This provides a summary overview of the site and identifies the habitats on site and the potential further survey work that might be required. 5.31 Policy ENV1 relates to biodiversity and habitats and requires development to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the district, avoid fragmentation of habitats and support the delivery of a co-ordinated green infrastructure network throughout the district. If any harmful impacts do occur it should be adequately demonstrated that the development cannot be located where it would cause less or no harm and that adequate mitigation is incorporated and that the benefits of the development clearly outweigh the impacts. 5.32 The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey identifies that the main parts of the site are of low ecological value. There are several trees on the boundaries which have low to moderate potential for roosting bats, but it is unlikely that the development will impact the trees. Two active mammal holes were found which were identified to have the potential to support badgers, therefore trail cameras were deployed to monitor the holes. It found that the hole on the northern boundary only contained rabbits but the other hole in the woodland was an active badger sett. As required, there is no development within 30m of it and a Construction exclusion Zone will be implemented during construction to ensure no harm is caused to the sett. In summary the ecological impact of the site will be relatively low and if needed suitable mitigation measures can be used to avoid protected and valued species. 5.33 The proposed development will provide gains in biodiversity by supplementing the existing vegetation and hedgerows surrounding the application site with a range of native species. In addition, the temporary use of the land as a solar farm will provide opportunities for improved grassland species, it is proposed that wildflower mix will be planted in-between the solar panels which will contribute to enhancing biodiversity. 5.34 The ecology report submitted with this planning application concludes: • There is no realistic potential for impacts on designated nature conservation sites either during the construction phase or during operation, especially as the site will not lead to an increase in human population. • All trees are being retained, meaning those with potential for roosting bats will not be harmed. • Appropriate on-site mitigation can be provided for the loss of the small section of hedgerow required for access and in relation to minor negative impacts to protected and priority species including reptiles, hedgehog and common toad. • Construction works will take place outside skylark nesting season (April to July) and any removal of woody vegetation will be done outside main nesting bird season (March – August).

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

• If the enhancement measures the report recommends are followed, there is considered potential not net biodiversity gain as a result of the development. 5.35 As such the proposals are supported by Policy ENV1. Traffic 5.36 Policy TS3 on highway safety requires all development to ensure that there will not be a significant adverse impact upon the safe functioning of the highway network. A Transport Statement has been prepared and accompanies this planning application and should be referred to for full details. 5.37 Solar farms generate minimal traffic movements as they require little maintenance. The largest generation of traffic comes at the construction phase of the project. The proposed access arrangements for the site will consist of an entrance to the site via an existing farm access point from The Street and then exit further south which is a new access point to be created. Both are located along the eastern boundary. 5.38 Once operational the site will be unmanned with operational activities restricted to occasional visits for maintenance. The development would also mean that the number of large farm vehicles accessing the site would reduce as there would not be any ploughing of the fields whilst the solar farm is in operation. 5.39 As part of the EIA screening opinion response from Broadland District Council and in comments during the public consultation on the proposals, concerns were raised about the cumulative impact of this development in terms of construction traffic and the proposed off-shore wind farms known as Hornsea 3 and Norfolk Vanguard. Both of these off-shore wind farms are proposing to have on-shore cabling close to the application site and the Hornsea 3 project is proposing a construction compound just north of the application site on the former Oulton airfield. Both of the off-shore wind farms are classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and are therefore subject to approval via a Development Consent Order (DCO) by the Secretary of State rather than through the Town and Country Planning Act and determined by Broadland District Council. 5.40 On the 1st July 2020 the Norfolk Vanguard application received DCO approval. A decision was also due on the same day for the Hornsea 3 project but the Secretary of State confirmed that there will be a delay in issuing this decision until the 31st December 2020 as additional information was required to allow him to conclude his assessment. He did advise at that time that he is minded to approve the DCO. Both DCO’s were submitted for consideration in June 2018 and should have been determined by mid/late 2019 but delays have been encountered through the process. 5.41 As part of both submissions they provided high level construction programmes which indicate that for the Hornsea 3 project onshore works will commence in 2021 and 2022 for Norfolk Vanguard. Both programmes were based on obtaining consent in mid/late 2019 which has not happened. For Hornsea 3 the project is yet to have a decision. 5.42 Once DCO’s are approved the project team will need to go through a process of detailed design, procurement and discharging requirements imposed on the DCO before any works can commence. 5.43 Given the delays in obtaining a decision on Norfolk Vanguard it is currently unclear what impacts this on the projects programme, but it is likely that the original programme set out in 2018 will be delayed. 5.44 Hornsea 3 still does not have a decision and there is potential that any decision could be further delayed into 2021. Given this, there is no certainty that this project will go ahead and, similar to Norfolk Vanguard, it is likely that the original programme set out in 2018 will be delayed.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

5.45 In relation to whether any construction periods may be undertaken at the same time as this application, the applicant will be looking to obtain planning approval for this development in late 2020/early 2021. Construction would then start within 6 -9 months after the approval and the development would take around 10-12 weeks to complete. Therefore, the solar farm would be fully constructed and operational by the end of 2021 at the latest. Taking into account the above noted delays on the off-shore wind projects and the far more complicated process of discharging requirements, planning procurement etc it is highly unlikely that this development will still be in its construction phase at the same time as either of the off-shore wind farms are starting their on-shore construction. 5.46 There is another solar farm which is located to the north west of the site on the former Oulton airfield. The permission for this development (ref 20150952) allowed development over 17.1ha but only phase 1 of the project has been built. Within the planning statement which was approved as part of that application it stated that the scheme would be built in two phases but did not give any indication on the timescales for building out phase 2. There have been no planning applications relating to phase 2 since 2016 and Broadland District Council advised that they are unable to advise when or if the 2nd phase will ever be built. It is considered reasonable to assume that given the number of years that have passed since planning approval was granted and there has been no activity relating to phase 2 that is unlikely it will be constructed. 5.47 Considering a worst-case scenario of the 2nd phase being built out at the same time as this development being built, the applicant indicated that phase 2 would take 8 weeks to construct. Whilst both developments would be using the same route for traffic, they would have separate access points onto their sites. As indicated in the Construction Traffic Management Plan for the application, the airfield has seen a number of times where it was used as a construction compound and storage area for large amounts of plant and the road network was used by long articulated HGV’s for much longer periods of time than is required in association with the construction of a solar farm. Norfolk County Council Highways raised no objection to the use of the road network for any of those uses and also considered it acceptable at the time of the determination of the solar farm on the airfield. 5.48 It is considered that, overall, the development will not cause disruption to the safe and free flow of traffic during operation. Drainage and Flooding 5.49 The site is situated within flood zone 1 as shown on the Government flood zone mapping and does have two small areas at risk from surface water flooding. In terms of surface water solar panel arrays are not considered to prevent direct infiltration into the ground and will allow rainwater to drain freely into the ground. A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) has been prepared and accompanies this planning application and should be referred to for full details. 5.50 The FRA concludes that given the site is in flood zone 1 there is a low probability of flooding and therefore all forms of development as listed in the NPPF are considered appropriate. In relation to surface water flooding, the two areas which are indicated as at a high risk with a greater than 1 in 30 chance of flooding in any year. The panels will be located on posts which will be above the depth of any flooding and will therefore be unaffected. 5.51 The ground conditions of the fields are granular in nature and any rainwater infiltrates naturally into the subsoil. There will be no increase in impermeable area which will mean that the proposals will not increase flood risk on or off site. 5.52 Policy CSU5 on surface water drainage requires that proposed developments should not flooding on the site or elsewhere. Taking the conclusions in the FRA, the development meets the requirements of the policy.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

6 Conclusion 6.1 The proposals have been prepared as informed by technical assessments, submitted alongside this planning application, that demonstrate how the development is designed in a sensitive manner which respects the site location and surrounding character. 6.2 There is a recognised need and support for renewable energy technology through National and Local planning policy and this development would contribute towards the targets set for the UK’s greenhouse gas emission reduction and increasing the country’s energy supply from renewable sources. 6.3 The proposals can be considered to be in accordance with policy GC2 and represents an appropriate form of development in the countryside. Therefore, the principle of the development in this location is acceptable. 6.4 The application is supported by policy GC5 which advocates for new proposals for renewable energy developments in the District. The energy generated by the proposed development will contribute to supporting growth in the region, and the carbon emissions saved as a result of generating electricity from a renewable source, would help to tackle climate change and minimise resource use. 6.5 The proposed landscape mitigation, shown on the landscape mitigation plan provides appropriate visual screening as required by Policy EN2. The proposal also accords with the historic environment assessment criteria of Policy EN2 and conclude the Historic Environment Report submitted with this planning application concludes there is some limited potential for the survival of remains dating to the early prehistoric, Iron Age and Roman periods within the study site. It is possible that buried remains relating to medieval or post-medieval agriculture could survive, such as ploughing or field boundaries, but these would be of negligible significance. 6.6 The proposed development will provide gains in biodiversity by supplementing the existing vegetation and hedgerows surrounding the application site with a range of native species. In addition, the temporary use of the land as a solar farm will provide opportunities for improved grassland species, it is proposed that wildflower mix will be planted in-between the solar panels which will contribute to enhancing biodiversity, as required by Policy ENV1. 6.7 Policy TS3 requires all development to ensure that there will not be a significant adverse impact upon the safe functioning of the highway network. The development will not cause disruption to the safe and free flow of traffic during construction or operation of the development. 6.8 Policy CSU5 on surface water drainage requires that proposed developments should not increase flooding on the site or elsewhere. The Flood Risk Assessment submitted with this planning application demonstrates that the proposals meet the requirements of this policy. 6.9 In summary, the proposals accord with the relevant planning polices, and therefore should be approved without delay.

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Docking Farm Solar Project Planning, Design and Access Statement

Appendix 1 – Environmental Impact Assessment screening opinion

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Application Number 20201012

www.broadland.gov.uk

Lanpro FAO Jane Crichton Brettingham House 98 Pottergate Norwich NR2 1EQ

Date Of Decision : 04 June 2020 Development : Screening Opinion (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 - Proposed Development of a Ground Mounted Solar Farm & Associated Infrastructure Location : Land North of The Street,Cawston Applicant : Stark Energy Application Type: EIA Screening Opinion

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulation 2017 – Screening Opinion

The proposed development falls within the description contained at paragraph 3 (a) 'Industrial installations for the production of electricity, steam and hot water (unless included in Schedule 1)' of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 and meets the criteria set out in column 2 of the table in that Schedule. However, the Local Planning Authority, having taken into account the criteria set out in Schedule 3 to the 2017 Regulations, is of the opinion that the development would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location. Further details of the Screening Opinion are below.

Accordingly, the Local Planning Authority has adopted the opinion that the development referred to above for which planning permission is sought is not EIA development as defined in the 2017 Regulations.

Reason for decision:-

The proposal indicates a solar farm of approximately 35 hectares in size with a total output of 23.1MW. The majority of the solar panels will stand up to a maximum of 2.3m above ground level and will be south facing set at an angle of 20 degrees. Associated infrastructure will comprise of two substations and DNO substation maximum height of 3.5m, three battery storage containers maximum height of 3.5m, six transformers for battery storage maximum height of 3.5m, 21 CCTV cameras 3m high and 2m high perimeter fencing.

Having taken into account the criteria set out in Schedule 3 of the 2017 Regulations, the Local Planning Authority is of the opinion that it is unlikely the proposed development in isolation or in combination would result in significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location. The proposed development is not of more than local importance in terms of its environmental and ecological effects and would not result in unusually complex or potentially hazardous environmental effects that cannot be

assessed and addressed within the normal validation requirements and determination of the planning application.

Signed

Assistant Director – Planning Broadland District Council, Thorpe Lodge, 1 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, NR7 0DU

THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) REGULATIONS 2017 SCREENING MATRIX

Case Details

Brief description of the project Proposed development of a ground mounted solar Case Reference 20201012 Land North of The Street, Cawston / development farm and associated infrastructure

EIA Details Is the project Schedule 1 development according to Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations? No If YES, which description of development (THEN GO TO Q4) N/A Is the project Schedule 2 development under the EIA Regulations? Yes

3 (a) Industrial installations for the production of If YES, under which description of development in Column 1 and Column 2? electricity, steam and hot water Is the development within, partly within, or near a ‘sensitive area’ as defined by Regulation 2 of the EIA Yes Regulations? Cawston and Marsham Heaths SSSI is located 2.5km to the south east of the site. Buxton Heaths SSSI is located 5km to the south east of the If YES, which area? site. Booton Common SSSI is located 4.5km to the south west of the site. Are the applicable thresholds/criteria in Column 2 exceeded/met? Yes If yes, which applicable threshold/criteria? The area of the development exceeds 0.5 hectares.

Has the LPA or SoS issued a Screening Opinion (SO) or Screening Direction (SD)? (In the case of No Enforcement appeals, has a Regulation 37 notice been issued) If yes, is a copy of the SO/SD on the file? N/A If yes, is the SO/SD positive? N/A

Has the appellant supplied an ES for the current or previous (if reserved matters or conditions) No application?

Question (Part 2a) / (Part 2b) – Answer to the question and (Part 3a) / (Part 3b) (only if Yes in part 2a) – Is a Significant explanation of reasons Effect Likely? (Yes/No or Not Known (?) or N/A) (Yes/No or Not Known (?) or N/A) Briefly explain answer to Part 2a and, if applicable and/or Is a significant effect likely, having regard particularly to the known, include name of feature and proximity to site magnitude and spatial extent (including population size (If answer in Part 2a / 2b is ‘No’, the answer to Part 3a / 3b affected), nature, intensity and complexity, probability, expected is ‘N/A’) onset, duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact and the possibility to effectively reduce the impact?

If the finding of no significant effect is reliant on specific features or measures of the project envisaged to avoid, or prevent what might otherwise have been, significant adverse effects on the environment these should be identified in bold.

1. Natural resources

1.1 Will construction, operation or No The development will not require any significant N/A decommissioning of the project involve ground works that will alter the topography of the actions which will cause physical changes site. in the topography of the area?

1.2 Will construction or operation of the No The amount of below ground development would N/A project use natural resources above or be in the region of 0.5 – 1% of the area. Land can below ground such as land, soil, water, still be used for agricultural grazing land and once materials/minerals or energy which are non- decommissioned can be returned to arable use. renewable or in short supply?

1.3 Are there any areas on/around the No The land will remain in agricultural use. N/A location which contain important, high quality or scarce resources which could be affected by the project, e.g. forestry, agriculture, water/coastal, fisheries,

2. Waste

2.1 Will the project produce solid wastes Yes The construction of the facility and No Any construction waste will be reused wherever during construction or operation or decommissioning will create associated waste. possible. Where not possible it will be disposed of decommissioning? There will be no waste produced by the in line with industry standards and best practice. operational development

3. POLLUTION AND NUISANCES

3.1 Will the project release pollutants or No There are no pollutants produced by a solar farm. N/A any hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to air?

3.2 Will the project cause noise and No N/A vibration or release of light, heat, energy or electromagnetic radiation?

3.3 Will the project lead to risks of No There are no pollutants produced by a solar farm. N/A contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants onto the ground or into surface waters, groundwater, coastal waters or the sea?

3.4 Are there any areas on or around the No N/A location which are already subject to pollution or environmental damage, e.g. where existing legal environmental standards are exceeded, which could be affected by the project?

4. population and human health

4.1 Will there be any risk of major No A solar farm does not produce any emissions or N/A accidents (including those caused by pollutants that would pose a threat to human climate change, in accordance with health. scientific knowledge) during construction, operation or decommissioning?

4.2 Will the project present a risk to the No A solar farm does not produce any emissions or N/A population (having regard to population pollutants that would pose a threat to human density) and their human health during health. construction, operation or decommissioning? (for example due to water contamination or air pollution) There may be risk of dust during construction but this can be dealt with by having a Construction Management Plan in place.

The site will be secured and will be monitored remotely and via CCTV and there is no risk of accidents.

5. water resources

5.1 Are there any water resources No The site is located within Flood Zone 1 and an N/A including surface waters, e.g. rivers, area of high to medium risk ground water lakes/ponds, coastal or underground vulnerability. Solar farms are non-contaminating waters on or around the location which and non-polluting and would not affect ground could be affected by the project, water. The solar arrays would be well spaces and particularly in terms of their volume and flood risk? have limited impact for displacement of water or flood storage to cause a flood risk.

6. BIODIVERSITY (SPECIES AND HABITATS)

6.1 Are there any protected areas which Yes Cawston and Marsham Heaths SSSI, No No significant effects for any protected areas as a are designated or classified for their Buxton Heaths SSSI, Booton Common SSSI, result of the construction and operation of the terrestrial, avian and marine ecological Felmingham Cutting LNR, Westwick Lakes SSSI, solar farm. value, or any non-designated / non- Whitwell Common SSSI, Foxley Wood SSSI, classified areas which are important or Newall Wood and Leaslands Ancient Woodlands sensitive for reasons of their terrestrial, avian and marine ecological value, located all located within a 15km radius of the proposed on or around the location and which could site. be affected by the project? (e.g. wetlands, watercourses or other water-bodies, the coastal zone, mountains, forests or woodlands, undesignated nature reserves or parks. (Where designated indicate level of designation (international, national, regional or local))).

6.2 Could any protected, important or Yes Potentially badgers (Meles meles) on site and No No significant effects. Ecological impact of the site sensitive species of flora or fauna which suitable habitat for Brown Hare (Lepus would be relatively low, and with suitable use areas on or around the site, e.g. for europaeus). Trees and hedgerows provide habitat mitigation measures direct impacts can be breeding, nesting, foraging, resting, over- for nesting birds and bat roosts. There are no avoided to protected and valued species. wintering, or migration, be affected by the ponds within 500m of the site. Surveys will be project? necessary to fully assess likely impacts on

badgers.

7. Landscape and visual

7.1 Are there any areas or features on No N/A or around the location which are protected for their landscape and scenic value, and/or any non-designated / non-classified areas or features of high landscape or scenic

Question (Part 2a) / (Part 2b) – Answer to the question and (Part 3a) / (Part 3b) (only if Yes in part 2a) – Is a Significant explanation of reasons Effect Likely? (Yes/No or Not Known (?) or N/A) (Yes/No or Not Known (?) or N/A) value on or around the location which could be affected by the project?1 Where designated indicate level of designation (international, national, regional or local).

7.2 Is the project in a location where it No The application site is well contained in the N/A is likely to be highly visible to many landscape. The site is well screened by existing people? (If so, from where, what direction, trees and hedges around the perimeter. Small and what distance?) gaps in the hedges allow views from the B1149 south east at 43m and south west at 5m. There are no public footpaths or bridleways crossing or near to the site. Additional screen planting would be able to mitigate any visual impact.

8. CULTURAL HERITAGE/ARCHAEOLOGY

8.1 Are there any areas or features which Yes Heydon Hall Park and Gardens II* Listed, Heydon No The site is not visible from any listed buildings or are protected for their cultural heritage or and Salle Conservation Area, Salle Park and conservation areas. archaeological value, or any non- Cawston Conservation Area are located within designated / classified areas and/or 1.5km north west, 2.5km west and south west of features of cultural heritage or the site respectively. Blickling Conservation Area archaeological importance on or around the location which could be affected by the and Park is located 2.5 km to the north east. project (including potential impacts on Beerhouse Farmhouse is a Grade II Listed setting, and views to, from and within)? Building located 520m south of the site. Where designated indicate level of designation (international, national, regional or local).

1 See question 8.1 for consideration of impacts on heritage designations and receptors, including on views to, within and from designated areas.

9. Transport and Access

9.1 Are there any routes on or around the No N/A location which are used by the public for access to recreation or other facilities, which could be affected by the project?

9.2 Are there any transport routes on or No Traffic will be generated during the construction N/A around the location which are susceptible phase of the proposal. Operational traffic will be to congestion or which cause limited. environmental problems, which could be affected by the project?

10. land use

10.1 Are there existing land uses or Yes There are four residential properties located close No Construction phase is for a limited period and community facilities on or around the to the site. The Old Railway Gate House, once operational the solar farm will have no location which could be affected by the Bluestone Cottage, Bluestone Hall and Bluestone significant impacts for residential neighbours. project? E.g. housing, densely populated Lodge. Traffic associated with the construction of areas, industry / commerce, the solar farm will have some impact for farm/agricultural holdings, forestry, tourism, mining, quarrying, facilities occupants. relating to health, education, places of worship, leisure /sports / recreation.

10.2 Are there any plans for future land No There is an existing solar farm to the west which N/A uses on or around the location which could has been partially constructed and could be be affected by the project? completed in the future. There are cabling routes proposed for Hornsea 3 and Vattenfall windfarm projects to the north of the site awaiting decision. None of these projects would be directly affected by the proposal.

11. Land stability and climate

11.1 Is the location susceptible to No N/A earthquakes, subsidence, landslides, erosion, or extreme /adverse climatic conditions, e.g. temperature inversions, fogs, severe winds, which could cause the project to present environmental problems?

12. Cumulative effects

12.1 Could this project together with Yes There is potential of cumulative impacts No The projected level of traffic associated with the existing and/or approved development associated with construction traffic in relation to construction phase and proposed operation is low result in cumulation of impacts together the windfarm cabling works. However, none of the and any cumulative effect would have no during the construction/operation phase? current offshore windfarm projects have consent significant impact on traffic levels in the yet. surrounding area.

The Hornsea 3 project has proposed part of the former Oulton airfield as its main cable construction compound and the Norfolk Vattenfall has a smaller logistics base to the south of Oulton so vehicular traffic both delivering to these bases and daily construction traffic from them will pass along the Street and then use the junction with the B1149. As it is still uncertain whether either or both of these projects will receive consent and the how they manage their construction period the cumulative impact cannot be quantified.

13. Transboundary effects

13.1 Is the project likely to lead to No N/A

5. CONCLUSIONS – ACCORDING TO EIA REGULATIONS SCHEDULE 3

Accordingly, the Local Planning Authority has adopted the opinion that the proposed development referred to above is not EIA development as set out in the 2017 Regulations.

6. Screening decision

If a SO/SD has been provided do you agree with it? n/a Is it necessary to issue a SD? no Is an ES required? no

7. Assessment (EIA regs schedule 2 development) OUTCOME

Is likely to have significant effects on the environment No ES required Not likely to have significant effects on the environment ES not required n/a More information is required to inform direction Request further info no NAME J Fox/M Rooke DATE 4th June 2020

2 The Regulations require consideration of the transboundary nature of the impact. Due to the England’s geographical location the vast majority of TCPA cases are unlikely to result in transboundary impacts.