Installation and Operation of a Grid
Connected Solar Farm and Battery Storage
Facility with an export capacity of c. 49.9MW
at Land South West of Cowley Substation,
Nuneham Courtenay, Oxford, OX44 9PA
REQUEST FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT SCREENING OPINION
May 2020
Prepared By
Project Quality Control Sheet
ORIGINAL Author Checked by Approved by
Signature
Date 29 April 2020 01 May 2020 01 May 2020
Company Aardvark EM Ltd Aardvark EM Ltd Aardvark EM Ltd
Location: Land to the south west of Cowley Substation, Nuneham Courtenay, Oxford, OX44 9PA Grid Reference: ST 729080. Project Manager: Nick Leaney BSc Hons MRICS Report Author: Rachel Ness BSc Hons Report Number: 2013-R001 Report Status: Final
Copyright: All copyright in this document is reserved.
Liability: This document contains information and may contain conclusions and recommendations. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate and that the opinions expressed are sound. However, Aardvark EM Limited cannot be made liable for any errors or omissions or for any losses or consequential losses resulting from decisions based on the information.
Report Written and Produced By Aardvark EM Limited, Higher Ford, Wiveliscombe, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 2RL Telephone: 01984 624989, Facsimile: 01984 623912 Email: [email protected], Web: www.aardvarkem.co.uk Contents
1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Overview ...... 1 1.2 The Applicant ...... 2 2. Scheme Overview ...... 3 2.1 The Existing Site ...... 3 2.2 The Surrounding Area ...... 4 2.3 Designations ...... 5 2.4 Alternative Site Options ...... 6 2.5 Principle of Development ...... 6 2.6 The Proposed Development ...... 9 2.7 Construction Phase ...... 12 2.8 Operational Phase ...... 12 2.9 Decommissioning Phase ...... 11 3. EIA Screening Process ...... 14 3.1 Determining the need for an EIA ...... 14 3.2 Review against EIA Regulations ...... 14 3.3 Planning Practice Guidance ...... 14 4. Potential Effects on the Environment ...... 16 4.1 Landscape and Visual Impacts ...... 16 4.2 Heritage Impacts ...... 18 4.3 Impacts on Biodiversity ...... 19 4.4 Impacts on Amenity ...... 23 4.5 Agricultural Land Impacts ...... 24 4.6 Flood Risk Impacts ...... 27 4.7 Traffic and Access Impacts ...... 29 4.8 Cumulative Impacts ...... 30 5. Conclusion ...... 31
Appendices
Appendix 1: Site Location Plan
Appendix 2: Zone of Theoretical Visibility
Appendix 3: Preliminary Assessment of Historic Environment
Appendix 4: Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment
Appendix 5: Preliminary Glint and Glare Assessment Report
Appendix 6: Semi-detailed Agricultural Land Classification Report
Appendix 7: Preliminary Flood Risk Screening Report
Appendix 8: Preliminary Assessment of Traffic and Access Impacts Report
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request
1. Introduction
1.1 Overview
Aardvark EM Limited has been instructed by Cowley Baldon Green Limited (‘the Applicant’), to formally request an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion from South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) with regards to the development of a solar farm and battery storage facility at land to the south west of Cowley Substation, Nuneham Courtenay, Oxford, OX44 9PA (the “Site”). This request is made under Regulations 6 (1) and 15 (1) of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England) Regulations 2017 (“the EIA Regulations”). Specifically, the proposal involves the following (“the Proposed Development”): “Installation of renewable led energy generating station comprising ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays and battery-based electricity storage containers together with substation, inverter/transformer stations, site accesses, internal access tracks, security measures, access gates, other ancillary infrastructure and landscaping and biodiversity enhancements.” Once constructed it will provide a reliable source of clean renewable energy which will be supplied to domestic and commercial consumers via the National Grid network, connected via the nearby Cowley Substation located just to the north east of the Site. The generating station would have an export capacity of up to 49.9MW and would produce approximately 72,000MWh of clean renewable electricity per year for distribution to the national grid. This is equivalent to the annual electrical needs of approximately 19,000 family homes. The anticipated CO2 displacement is around 18,500 tonnes per annum, which represents an emission saving equivalent of a reduction in 8,500 cars on the road every year. The battery storage facility would be utilised to reinforce the power generation of the solar PV. Storing energy at times of low demand and releasing to the grid in periods of higher demand or when solar irradiance is lower, as well as providing balancing services to maintain National Grid stability. The generating station would operate for a temporary time period, approximately 35 years. The Site, having been intensively farmed for many years, would benefit from a period of soil resting and has the potential to deliver significant biodiversity enhancements including via low intensity sheep grazing amongst the solar arrays. On decommissioning of the generating station the Site would continue in agricultural use. There is an urgent need reflected in national and local policies for reducing carbon emissions to limit the damaging impacts of climate change. Rapidly growing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar is strongly supported. SODC has recognised the imperative nature of the radical changes required by declaring a Climate Emergency in April 2019. The Proposed Development does not fall within Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations. In line with requirements of Regulation 6(2) of the Regulations therefore, this request contains the following information to assist SODC (as the Local Planning Authority, LPA) in adopting an EIA Screening Opinion:
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• A plan sufficient to identify the land; • A description of the nature and purpose of the Proposed Development; and • A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be affected by the Proposed Development and the likely significant effects, taking into account: ➢ Schedules 2 and 3 of the EIA Regulations; ➢ The characteristics of the Proposed Development; and ➢ The location of the Proposed Development and its surrounds.
Based on the preliminary assessments undertaken and shared in this report, and consideration of the relevant selection criteria for screening Schedule 2 development presented in Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations, it is concluded that the Proposed Development is unlikely to have significant environmental impacts. As such it is recommended that the Proposed Development is not EIA Development and does not require an Environmental Statement to be submitted with the future planning application. Without prejudice to a decision in respect of the requirement for an EIA, and in the event the Council determine that an EIA should be provided with any planning application, it is requested that the required scope of the Environmental Statement is identified as part of the EIA Screening Opinion.
1.2 The Applicant
Cowley Baldon Green Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Enso Green Holdings Ltd, a partnership between Enso Energy and Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG). Enso Energy is one of the UK’s leading developers of energy projects, having delivered in excess of 1GW of distributed generation to date. GIG is a global leader in renewable energy development, responsible for 493,000GWh of renewable energy generation and with investment and operations in over 25 markets, more than 400 staff and £20 billion of capital committed or arranged to support green energy projects. Visit the Applicant’s web site for more information on the benefits of solar energy and other projects https://www.ensoenergy.co.uk.
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2. Scheme Overview
This section of the report provides a description of the nature and purpose of the Proposed Development, including and description of the existing Site and the surrounding area, a summary of the designations, and the key relevant planning policies.
2.1 The Existing Site
The Site is at OS Grid Reference SP 55286 00960 (centre of Site). It comprises six adjoining arable fields totalling an area of approximately 123 hectares (see Figure 2.1 below and the Site Location Plan at Appendix 1). The redline indicates the likely extent of the Proposed Development area which is contiguous with the land under the control of the Applicant (the blue line land).
Figure 2.1: Site Location Plan (see Appendix 1 for scaled plan)
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The Site is mainly rural in character with some localised intrusion of man-made features. These comprise the A4074, which borders the western boundary of the Site; two overhead 132kV high voltage power lines that traverse the northern part of the Site from the wider landscape to the north- east across to the landscape west of the Site; the 400kv power lines that cross the southern part of the Site and the various settlements within the wider context of the Site, including Oxford City to the north, Garsington to the north-east, Toot Baldon and Marsh Baldon to the south-east, and Nuneham Courtenay to the south. Just to the north east of the Site is the Cowley 400kV substation, located off Blackberry Road to the south of Cowley. The Site is currently accessed via an existing gated farm access from the A4074. It comprises a mix of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land (Grade 2 and Subgrade 3a – 24%) with the majority of the Site not BMV (Subgrade 3b, 70%). The Site is located in two Parish Council areas, Nuneham Courtenay Parish (Fields 1-3) and The Baldons Parish (Fields 4-6), and wholly within the administrative area of SODC. The field network within the Site is characterised by field boundaries comprising a combination of clipped hedgerow (some with hedgerow trees), small-scale tree belts and woodland blocks. The Site is predominantly located on the lower slopes of a local undulation (c. 65m – 75m AOD) which rises to its highest elevation towards the centre of the Site (c. 99m AOD). There are three ordinary watercourses within the Site, along part of the northern boundary, between Fields 2 and 3 and along its southern boundary of Field 6. The Oxford Green Belt Way (a PROW) follows the southern and eastern boundary of the Site before passing through Field 4, and a public footpath (PROW 118/14) crosses the Site between Fields 5 and 6 linking Nineveh Farm to The Baldons.
2.2 The Surrounding Area
The Site is located within a wider network of large-scale farmland in arable cultivation and lies within a large rectilinear field pattern. Further to the north (approximately 1km) is a cluster of other mixed uses including a sewage treatment plant, The Oxford Science Park, and the Kassam Football Stadium. Beyond these is the “Plant Oxford” central assembly facility owned by the car manufacturer BMW for its Mini model. The plant is one of the largest industrial employers in Oxfordshire. The River Thames, a “main river”, is located approximately 1.1 km to the west of the Site at its closest point. Consent was granted in July 2019 for the construction and operation of a 49.9MW battery storage facility on land south of Cowley Substation off Blackberry Lane (Application Ref: P19/S0623/FUL), and immediately north of the Site the Council issued EIA Scoping Opinions for residential developments in May 2017 and July 2016 respectively for the South Oxford Science Village (Scoping Ref: P17/S1153/SCO) and the South Oxford Garden Neighbourhood (Scoping Ref: P16/S1196/SCO).
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2.3 Designations
There are no statutory landscape, heritage or ecological designations within the Site (see Table 2.1 below). The Site is located within the Oxford Green Belt, the purposes of which are to: • preserve the special character and landscape setting of Oxford; • check the growth of Oxford and prevent ribbon development and urban sprawl; • prevent the merging of settlements; • assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; and • assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.
Environmental Designation Distance Search Results
National Parks 5km 0
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty1 5km 0
World Heritage Sites 5km 0
Scheduled Monuments 5km 0
Conservation Areas 5km 0
Grade I Listed Buildings 1.5km 0
Grade II* Listed Buildings 1.5km 6
Grade II Listed Buildings 1.5km 88
Registered Parks and Gardens 1.5km 1
Registered Battlefields 1.5km 0
Ramsar Sites 5km 0
Special Protection Areas 5km 0
Special Area of Conservation 5-10km 3
National Nature Reserve 5km 0
Site of Special Scientific Interest 5km 4
Local Wildlife Sites 2km 12
Table 2.1: Designations
1 The North Wessex Downs AONB is located approx. 5.5km to the south, and the Chilterns AONB approx. 10km south east.
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2.4 Alternative Site Options
The Applicant has investigated the potential to develop the Proposed Development on alternative sites not located in the Green Belt, affected by statutory designations or located on BMV agricultural land. The key driver for the location of any energy generating station such as the Proposed Development is the need first and foremost to be close to an available grid connection point i.e. the adjoining National Grid Cowley Substation which has spare capacity and the availability of which has been secured under agreement with the Applicant. The Applicant has signed a Bilateral Connection Agreement and Construction Agreement allowing for full export of the power of the Proposed Development with the point of connection in National Grid’s Cowley Substation. As short a cable run as is possible is required to allow the Proposed Development to be economic as well as to minimise energy losses in the cabling which will be wasted for sites located further away from the substation. Longer cable runs would also have the potential to have greater environmental impacts which are best avoided where possible. Furthermore, the Applicant is targeting transmission connected rather than distribution connected projects and so is limited to sites proximate to National Grid substations rather than connecting into overhead lines. The Applicant has searched for suitable and available sites of an equivalent scale within a 5km distance from the substation, recognising that the viability of any energy project reduces the further away it gets from the grid connection point. The cost of the connecting cable relative to the power generated, and the reduction in efficiency of the scheme due to losses associated with increased cable length are both significant commercial constraints. A number of alternative site options were assessed located to the west, east and south of the current Site but eventually discounted as, whilst having good potential, were less preferable due to a combination of environmental and community factors. The preference for this Site was also informed by the outcomes of early pre-application discussions (on a without prejudice basis) with SODC planning officers in November 2019.
2.5 Principle of Development
National Context There is a significant body of international and national energy policy support for renewable and low carbon development. This support is rooted in the Government’s policy of growing the economy in a decarbonising way and achieving its recently set legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 20502. To help achieve this the Government is rapidly seeking to transition from a traditionally fossil fuel dependent economy to increasing amounts of secure, resilient renewable and low carbon energy, including solar power.
2 Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019
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National energy policy makes clear that energy is vital to our economic prosperity and social well- being and that it is important to ensure that the UK3: transitions to a low carbon economy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions to address • the predominant challenge of our time, climate change; • supports an increased supply from renewables; • continues to have secure, diverse and resilient supplies of electricity as we transition to low carbon energy sources and to replace closing electricity generating capacity; • increases electricity capacity within the system to stay ahead of growing demand at all times whilst seeking to reduce demand wherever possible; and • delivers new low carbon and renewable energy infrastructure as soon as possible- the need is urgent. In the most recent State of the UK Climate 20184 report trends showed the UK climate is continuing to warm and sea levels continue to rise. 2018 was the seventh warmest year for the UK from 1884, and all the top 10 warmest years for the UK have occurred since 2002.The most recent decade (2009 – 2018) has been on average 1% wetter than 1981-2010, and mean sea level around the UK has risen by 1.4mm each year from the start of the 20th century. in May 2019 a national climate emergency was declared by the UK Parliament. MPs called on Government to make changes that included setting a new target of reaching net zero emissions before 2050. On 27 June 2019 the UK Parliament approved the net zero target in law, thereby changing the original target of 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (compared to 1990 levels) in the UK by 2050 to 100%. The aim is to meet the target through UK domestic effort, without relying on international carbon units (or ‘credits’). The National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these should be applied. At its core is the need for the planning system to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development – meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Renewable energy projects such as solar farms, are identified in the NPPF as an important form of sustainable development and benefit from the national policy presumption in favour of sustainable development (paragraph 11). There is no requirement to demonstrate the overall need for renewable energy and the expectation is that such planning applications will be approved where local impacts on landscape, residential amenity, flood risk, ecological and heritage assets are (or can be made) acceptable (paragraph 154). Paragraph 147 of the NPPF is also directly applicable. It explains that elements of many renewable energy projects, when located in the Green Belt, will comprise inappropriate development. In these circumstances, developers need to demonstrate very special circumstances if projects are to
3 Energy policy as set out in the Climate Change Act 2008; the Energy Security Strategy 2012; the UK Solar PV Strategy 2014; Towards a Smart Energy System 2015; Clean Growth Strategy 2017; UK 25 Year Environment Plan 2018; and the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019. 4 The International Journal of Climatology by The Royal Meteorological Society of Climate Science July 2019
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Page 7 Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request proceed. These very special circumstances may include the wider environmental benefits associated with increased energy production from renewable sources. The Government’s on-line Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) sets out advice on the factors which can be taken into account when considering the potential impact of development on the openness of the Green Belt. These include the duration of the development and its remediability. This involves taking into account provisions to return land to its original state or to an equivalent (or improved) state of openness. It also includes the degree of activity likely to be generated such as traffic generation5. The Proposed Development is temporary and fully reversible and would generate a very low level of activity over its operational lifetime due to its passive nature and approximately two maintenance visits a month. Local Context In April 2019 SODC joined a growing number of local authorities who have declared a climate emergency. One of the actions agreed by SODC Councillors at that time was to ask officers reviewing policies and strategies to consider how they affect the contribution to climate change, and where necessary update these policies to reduce impacts wherever possible. This would include those policies in the Council’s Local Development Plan. In September 2019 the Council’s Climate Emergency Advisory Committee (CEAC) met for the first time. The Council committed to becoming a carbon neutral district by 2030. The Council recognised that given the scale of that challenge future measure would entail radical steps, requiring far reaching policies and behavioural changes for everyone living in the area. The Local Development Plan applicable to the Proposed Development is the: • Saved Policies of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011; and the • South Oxfordshire Core Strategy (December 2012). The Core Strategy sets out key policies guiding development decisions within SODC until 2027. It also contains a presumption in favour of sustainable development (Policy CS1). It states that South Oxfordshire has higher levels of domestic energy consumption per person than the South East average (para 15.3) and sets out Policy CSQ1: “Policy CSQ1 Renewable Energy Proposals for development for the generation of energy from renewable resources will be permitted provided any adverse impact on the landscape, heritage and biodiversity of an area, traffic generation or the amenities of local communities is outweighed by wider environmental, social, economic or other benefits”. The location and design of all renewable energy proposals should be informed by a landscape character assessment where required (para 15.7). Policy CSEN2 is also of central relevance: “Policy CSEN2 Green Belt The special character and landscape setting of Oxford will be protected by the Oxford Green Belt, the boundary is shown on the Adopted Policies Map…. Policy CSR1 allows for limited amounts of new housing through infilling in some Green Belt villages however planning permission will not be
5 PPG Para:001 Ref ID: 64-001-20190722
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Page 8 Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request granted for development within the Oxford Green Belt that is contrary to national policy guidance in the NPPF and the purposes of including land within the Green Belt…..”
2.6 The Proposed Development
In summary the Proposed Development relates to the construction, operation, management and decommissioning of a renewable led energy scheme comprising ground mounted solar arrays and a battery storage facility. The design and layout is at an early stage (Concept Design) and is being reviewed on the basis of the assessment work undertaken to inform this EIA Screening Report and potential mitigation measures, and will be further reviewed following pre-application consultation engagement and the ongoing detailed assessment work that will accompany the planning application. The main components are likely to be as set out below: • Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, ground mounted to a piled anti-reflective frame made of galvanized steel or aluminium; • The solar panels would utilise a single axis tracking system and bifacial panels that increases continuous electrical productivity by 20-25% when compared to traditional fixed solar arrays thereby making the technology more productive; • At their lower edge panels would be approximately 0.8m from the ground and up to approximately 3m at their higher edge depending on the position of the tracker; • The panels utilise bifacial cells with double-glass structures. They have an anti-reflective coating to ensure maximum absorption of solar radiation and reduction of reflections. • Approximately 16 inverter/transformer stations distributed evenly across the solar arrays housed within green metal containers measuring 12m x 2.4m and 2.6m high; • Approximately 20 battery storage containers housed in shipping containers or similar measuring 12m x 2.4m and 2.6m high. The facility is currently positioned in the north east corner of the Site and would measure approximately 50m by 50m albeit other potential options exist that are being assessed; • Compacted internal crushed stone tracks, rolled in layers to allow vehicular access between fields; • 2.2m high security deer type fencing type and gates to enclose the parameters of the Site and potentially allow sheep to graze securely. The boundary fencing would be located inside the existing hedgerows and tree belts in order to screen the Proposed Development; • Security and monitoring CCTV/infra-red cameras mounted on fence posts 2.4m tall along the perimeter of the Site; • Underground cabling to connect the panels, inverters/transformer stations and battery storage facility to the proposed on-site substation and control room; • A security-fenced enclosed substation and switchgear compound with equipment housed within two green containers each measuring 12m x 4m and 4m high. The most appropriate location for this facility is presently being assessed; • A substation access track;
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• Underground cable connecting the on-site sub-station to National Grid’s Cowley Substation utilising the existing road corridors; • There would be no lighting within the Site; • One site access point utilising the existing farm access junction with the A4074; and • Landscape planting, biodiversity enhancements and surface water attenuation measures (to be designed as part of a review of the Concept Design). • No PROW will be stopped up or diverted (temporarily or permanently) and they will remain open to public access throughout the construction, operational and decommissioning phases. The overall extent of ground disturbance on Site would be minimal with, pending design fix, approximately just 4% of the overall site area excavated as a result of the underground cabling, internal access roads, inverter/transformer stations, panel frames and proposed on-site substation and battery storage facility. The Concept Design of the Proposed Development is shown on Figure 2.2. It is being informed in an on-going iterative design review process, and will respond to feedback from future planned pre- application public consultation and also the outputs from the environmental assessment work that will accompany the planning application. The preliminary environmental assessments used to inform this EIA Screening Report are already actively informing the evolving design, with approaches to mitigation being built into the design itself : • Ensuring a suitable offset is provided between the Site’s boundaries and the Proposed Development to allow for new woodland planting and enhancement of the existing field and boundary vegetation; • Creating buffers around public rights of way through the Site to maintain their recreational amenity; • Identifying how best to link in the Site’s potential ecological enhancements with the existing surrounding areas of nature conservation; and • Removing solar panels located on higher elevated areas where views of these are readily available from the surrounding landscape. This design journey, as informed by the EIA screening process, is captured on Figure 2.3 which provides an indication as to the direction of travel and current thinking on layout, constraints and opportunities.
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Figure 2.2: Concept Design
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Figure 2.3: The Design Journey Informed by EIA Screening Assessments
2.7 Construction Phase
The construction of the Proposed Development would take place over approximately 7 months (around 30 weeks). Construction vehicles would access the Site via the existing farm access on the A4074. On average there would be 8 deliveries (16 two-way movements) by HGVs during the construction period. The proposed construction hours are 08:00-18:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 -13:30 on Saturdays. There would be no construction activities on Sundays or Public Holidays. Where possible, construction deliveries will be coordinated to avoid construction vehicle movements during the traditional AM peak hour (08:00-09:00) and PM peak hour (17:00-18:00). There would be two construction compounds, one to serve Fields 1 to 4 and one to serve Fields 5 to 6. If ground conditions dictate, wheel washing facilities will be provided to ensure no mud or loose material is transferred onto the local highway network, with all construction vehicles having to exit through the wheel wash area.
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A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be implemented during the construction phase of the Proposed Development. The aim of the CTMP is to minimise the effect of the construction phase on the highway network. It will contain all of the required information for the construction phase, as well as package of agreed mitigation measures.
2.8 Operational Phase
Once operational there would only be one or two vehicle visits per month comprising a transit style van, accessing the Site via the existing farm access on the A4074. A Landscape and Ecological Management Plan would be prepared and submitted with the planning application. It would set out how the land would be managed throughout the operational phase of the development. It is anticipated that it would be managed in such a way as to deliver significant biodiversity net gains.
2.9 Decommissioning Phase
After a 35-year period the Proposed Development would be decommissioned. Dependent on the operational start date of the solar farm and battery storage facility, the decommissioning would run concurrently or interdependently. Overall if the decommissioning runs concurrently it is expected to take c.16 weeks and the number of vehicle movements will not exceed the number set out for the construction phase. All electricity generating equipment and built structures associated with the Proposed Development would be removed from the Site and it would revert to agricultural use.
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3. EIA Screening Process
3.1 Determining the need for an EIA
A requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment considers the scale, nature and location of proposed development and the likelihood of significant environmental effects arising as a result. Schedules 1 and 2 of the Regulations provide descriptions of that which could be EIA development. For a type included under Schedule 1, EIA is mandatory. Where development falls under Schedule 2, the need for EIA is determined based on set criteria, which are: • Development falls within one of the classes of development stated in Schedule 2; AND • EITHER exceeds the size threshold for that class of development; OR is in a sensitive area as defined by the EIA Regulations; AND • It is likely to have significant environmental effects due to factors such as nature, size or location. The exceedance of a Schedule 2 category threshold triggers the need to consider whether the proposed development is EIA Development with reference to the following criteria set out in Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations: • Characteristics of the proposed development (e.g. size, cumulative effects with existing/approved development, use of natural resources, production of waste, pollution, nuisance, risk of accidents, and risk to human health); • Location of the proposed development (e.g. environmental sensitivity of the area); and • Types and characteristics of the potential effects of the proposed development (with particular regard to the extent, nature, magnitude and complexity, probability and duration, frequency and reversibility of the effect, including the likelihood for transboundary effects).
3.2 Review against EIA Regulations
The Proposed Development is not a Schedule 1 development and does not automatically require an EIA. However, it does constitute a project under category 3(a) of Schedule 2 of the Regulations as an industrial installation for the production of electricity whereby the applicable threshold to undertake screening is when the site area exceeds 0.5 hectares. As the Proposed Development will cover an area c.123 ha it is appropriate to seek an EIA screening opinion from SODC as the relevant local planning authority (LPA).
3.3 Planning Practice Guidance
Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) provides guidance on EIA screening and how to assess whether a development is likely to give rise to significant environmental effects, such as to require
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Page 14 Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request an EIA. PPG 018 (Ref ID: 4-018-20170728)6 states, ‘only a very small proportion of Schedule 2 development will require an Environmental Impact Assessment’. In order to assist LPAs to determine whether a project is likely to require an assessment a set of indicative thresholds and criteria have been prepared and presented as a tabulated annex to the PPG (Paragraph 058 Reference ID:4-058-20150326).
Development Type Schedule 2 criteria and Indicative criteria and Key issues to consider threshold threshold 3(a) Industrial The area of the Thermal output of more than Level of emissions to air, installation for the development exceeds 50 MW. Small stations using arrangements for the production of 0.5 hectare. novel forms of generation transport of fuel and any electricity. should be considered visual impact. carefully.
6 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/environmental-impact-assessment#Screening-Schedule-2-projects
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4. Potential Effects on the Environment
For this EIA Screening Report the characteristics of the Proposed Development together with its location and potential effects have been assessed against the following considerations: • Landscape and visual impacts; • Heritage impacts; • Impacts of biodiversity; • Impacts on amenity (glint and glare and noise); • The use of agricultural land; • Flood risk impacts; • Traffic impacts and access; and any • Cumulative impacts.
4.1 Landscape and Visual Impacts
A preliminary landscape and visual screening assessment has been undertaken by LDA Design, the results of which are provided below. The Site lies within the extent of the Oxford Green Belt but does not lie within any designated landscapes, nor falls in the direction of within ‘key views’ identified in local planning policy. The Site is within the extent of National Character Area 19: Midvale Ridge National Character Area; and Landscape Character Type 13: Open farmed hills and valleys7.The Site demonstrates many of the prevailing key characteristics of LCT 13, comprising a rural character with some localised intrusion of man-made features. These comprise the A4074, which borders the western boundary of the Site; two overhead 132kV high voltage power lines traverse the northern part of the Site from the wider landscape to the north-east across to the landscape west of the Site; the 400kV power lines that cross the southern part of the Site and the various settlements within the wider context of the Site. The visual environment of the Site and its surrounding context is generally enclosed, with available views to the Site generally limited to its immediate context, where views to the rising ground to the centre of the Site are possible above and beyond intervening boundary vegetation. Visibility of the Site beyond its immediate context reduces with distance as a combination of intervening landscape features, comprising vegetation, landform and built development, combine to screen and heavily filter potential views. Two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are located in the wider landscape context of the Site. These are: • North Wessex Downs AONB (approximately 5.5km south); and
7 Landscape Character Assessment for the Local Plan 2033. South Oxfordshire District Council (November 2017)
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• Chilterns AONB (approximately 10km south-east) The Site lies outside of these two nationally designated landscapes and given their respective distances from it, views would be limited as a result of intervening vegetation, landform and built development. The Proposed Development would be unlikely to affect the “special qualities” of these AONBs. An initial desk-based appraisal of landscape and visual impacts of the Proposed Development has been undertaken. This included preparation of a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) study and consideration of potential landscape and visual effects. The ZTV (Appendix 2) provides a theoretical indication of the likely visibility of the Proposed Development. The actual visibility is likely to be substantially less than that indicated, owing to localised landscape features not accounted for within the ZTV model. From the ZTV study, it can be seen that theoretical visibility would be limited to areas to the east and west. Preliminary assessment indicates that potential effects on landscape character are likely to be limited to the Site and its local context up to approximately 1km in all directions. Areas at greater distance (i.e. beyond approximately 1km) from the Site are unlikely to experience any notable or perceptible change to their prevailing characteristics, owing to the limited intervisibility of the Proposed Development as a result of vegetation, built development and landform within the surrounding landscape. With regards to potential effects on visual amenity, the visual environment of the Site and its surrounding context is generally enclosed by field boundary vegetation. Views to the Site are generally limited to its immediate context, where the rising ground to the centre of the Site can be seen in some locations above and beyond intervening boundary vegetation. It is anticipated that visibility of the Proposed Development would be limited to publicly accessible routes8 through the Site, and publicly accessible routes and areas approximately 1km from it. From these public locations, the Proposed Development would be visible to a varying degree within the context of the wider landscape. Beyond 1km, it is anticipated views would be screened or heavily filtered as a result of undulations in the landform in combination with the screening effects of intervening vegetation and built development. Potential effects on landscape and visual amenity would reduce over time as proposed planting establishes and screens any potential visibility of the Proposed Development to a greater degree over time. The proposed planting will be detailed in the Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) to be prepared to accompany the planning application. The results of the preliminary landscape and visual assessment will be fed into the iterative design review process of the Concept Design. These include broad principles that will minimise landscape and visual effects including: • Ensuring a suitable offset is provided between the Site’s boundaries and the Proposed Development to allow for new woodland planting and enhancement of the existing field and boundary vegetation;
8 Public Rights of Way References Codes (Oxford County Council): 118/3/10, 118/3/20, 118/14/10 and 317/7/10, [Accessed April 2020] Available online: https://publicrightsofway.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ Web/standardmap.aspx]
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• Creating buffers around public rights of way through the Site to maintain their recreational amenity; and • Sensitive siting of solar panels located on the rising ground to the centre of the Site, where visibility of the Site is more readily available from the surrounding landscape. The Site is not within a “Sensitive Area” as noted within the EIA Regulations. Given the absence of sensitive receptors and limited visibility, the potential impacts are not considered to be “significant” in the context of the EIA Regulations. Overall, it can be concluded from the initial professional assessment of landscape and visual issues that there are no major constraints to the Proposed Development. A standalone Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be undertaken for the Proposed Development, in accordance with the following guidance: • LI and IEMA (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3rd Ed.), Routledge; • LI (2019) Technical Guidance Note 06/19 Visual Representation of Development Proposals, LI; and • Natural England (2014) An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment, NE. A ZTV study and fully rendered photomontages will also be produced to inform the LVIA. Although a planning designation, the LVIA will include a separate assessment on the potential harm to the Green Belt designation. A study area of 3km for the LVIA is proposed. The study area and scope of assessment, including the location and number of photomontages, will be agreed in consultation with the Local Planning Authority as part of the planning application process.
4.2 Heritage Impacts
A preliminary assessment of the historic environment resource of the Site and its surroundings has been undertaken by Headland Archaeology (see Appendix 3). The preliminary assessment included gathering baseline data on known heritage assets from the Oxfordshire Historic Environment Record (HER), the Oxford Historic Environment Record and the National Heritage List and a review of current and historic online aerial imagery via Google Earth. There are no designated or undesignated heritage assets recorded within the Site. An initial study of the Oxford HER data has identified that immediately to the west of the Site adjacent to the A4074 evidence of a Roman settlement which was discovered during a watching brief on a new pipeline. There are 94 listed buildings within 1.5km of the Site. There are also further listed buildings and a scheduled monument within the registered park and garden of Nuneham Courtenay (List Entry 1000122) which extends from 975m to 4.2km southwest from the Site. There are no other designated heritage assets within 1.5km of the Site, the closest Scheduled Monument is the site of some Roman kilns (List Entry 1006337) situated 2km to the south of the Site. Construction of the Proposed Development has the potential to impact on below ground archaeological remains if they are present within the Site. These impacts could occur through topsoil stripping e.g. for excavation of cable trenches and could include impacts on less deeply buried archaeological deposits through vehicle movements above them. However, the extent of
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Page 18 Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request ground disturbance will be low with approximately only 4% of the site area proposed to be excavated (pending Design Fix). Operation of the Proposed Development has the potential to impact on heritage assets in the wider area through changes in their setting. Below ground archaeological remains within the Site are likely to be of at most regional importance and therefore medium sensitivity – there are no currently known remains within the Site but there have been discoveries of Anglo-Saxon and Roman settlement to the north. Impacts to any below ground remains within the Site could be mitigated through a programme of archaeological work secured by condition. As such any such impacts are considered unlikely to be of more than moderate EIA significance. Initial surveys indicate that the Proposed Development will not result in harmful changes to the setting of the Conservation Areas at Toot Baldon and Marsh Baldon (including the listed buildings within the Conservation Areas) nor on the group of Grade II Listed Buildings at Nuneham Courtenay. Potential impacts on Nuneham House as a result of change in its setting, particularly the important views north/northeast, can be avoided through the design of the scheme – including excluding panels from the areas of highest ground within the Site and through additional vegetation planting to increase screening. These operational impacts would be fully reversible on decommissioning. As such the impacts to heritage assets in the wider area are not considered to result in significant effects. A Heritage Desk-Based Assessment (HDBA) will be carried out and will seek to characterise the historic environment within the Site and in the wider study area. It will use the results of consultation, desk-based research, walkover surveys and setting visits to define a study area and to assemble a baseline of heritage assets within it, and then to assess the potential effects of the Proposed Development on that baseline. The results of this desk-based assessment will be used to inform the need for any further archaeological investigation required to accompany the planning application. In summary, the Proposed Development has the potential to impact on currently unknown below ground archaeological remains within the Site. These impacts would be to a maximum of approximately 4% of the total Site area and therefore would result in a low level of harm to any below ground archaeological remains. The Proposed Development also has the potential to result in temporary, reversible changes to the setting of heritage assets in the wider area. A desk-based assessment and a setting assessment referring to the ZTV and visualisations produced by LDA Design will be carried out to further inform the design of the Proposed Development in order to minimise effects where possible. After mitigation the effects are considered unlikely to be significant in EIA terms.
4.3 Impacts on Biodiversity
BSG Ecology has undertaken an extended Phase 1 habitat survey, desk study and the first of three breeding bird surveys, the results of which are all summarized below. The survey and the further proposed surveys will be set out in an Ecological Impact Assessment accompanying the planning application. This will include an ecological constraints and opportunities plan and an assessment of likely impacts arising from the Proposed Development taking account of mitigation and compensation measures. A Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment will also be provided,
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The Site is dominated by six arable fields of varying size from approximately 9ha to 38ha all with limited ecological value. There are field margins present, which are around 5m in width in most places although some are less, which hold some ecological value in the form of semi-improved grassland. Higher value habitats on Site include hedgerows, woodland, ponds and field ditches. There are no statutory or non-statutory nature conservation sites within the Site. There are six Oxfordshire Local Wildlife sites and four Oxford City Wildlife Sites and two Conservation Target Areas within 2km. The nearest is Sandford Brake (OLW), a woodland block surrounding the Cowley electricity substation to the north of the Site. There are four SSSI within 5km of the site. The nearest is Littlemore Railway cutting 2.2km north west of the Site. Iffley Meadows SSSI is 2.8km to the north west Sugmore SSSI is also 2.8km from the Site to the east and Brasenose Wood and Shotover Hill is 3.9km to the north east. There are three Special Areas for Conservation between five and ten kilometres of the site: Oxford Meadows SAC, Cothill Fen SAC and Little Wittenham SAC. Habitats Most of the hedgerows on Site are species poor, although there are hedgerows along the south east and north west which were more species-rich. All of these are considered to be Habitats of Principal Importance (HPIs) and are being retained within the design. The two ponds (P1 and P2) noted off the Site to the north and within the central woodland belt, could both support great crested newts (GCN). A further pond, P3, was noted to the east on the Site boundary. This was also noted as potentially supporting GCN and presence and absence in ponds 1 to 3 will be determined through an eDNA survey. A toad was noted within P1. These ponds are also considered to be HPI’s. Two small water bodies were noted as currently holding water (March). However these are very small (>10 square metres) and shallow and the vegetation within them is dominated by tufted hair grass. They are likely to be winter wet depressions and are considered unlikely to support GCN as they are likely to dry out in most years before young could develop. These waterbodies are not considered to be HPIs. Areas of woodland are noted within the Site and on the boundaries of the Site. These are made up of plantation woodland along the northern boundary, a copse plantation to the north west containing some mature trees and mature plantation to the east of the Site with some veteran trees. None are listed as ancient woodland sites. Areas of improved and poor semi improved grassland were noted around field margins. Some areas were more diverse than others and offered potential habitat for reptiles. None of the grassland was considered to be HPI. Some of the fields have ditches along their boundaries. These are seasonally wet ditches that are dry/damp for much of the year. This is not an HPI habitat. Protected Species There is an active main sett located just outside the boundary of the Site within an oak dominated plantation woodland. There are around 10 holes, some of which are within 30m of the Site boundary. Some appeared to be more active than others with debris removed and piled outside the entrance. Paths around the sett were well used, with a path leading towards the arable field to the north through the plantation. No dung pits or latrines were noted in the vicinity, although rabbit droppings were noted.
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Three other smaller badger setts occur within other woodland (which sits outside the red line boundary). These are likely annexes to the main sett and an outlier sett although no dung pits, latrines, footprints were noted at these locations. There were three disused sett entrances along the edge of the arable field margin which were old/fewer active entrances but could be used by badgers again. Skylark were noted during the Phase 1 habitat survey and the first breeding bird survey. Approximately eight territories were noted across the northern and western parts of site. A range of other common farmland birds have been recorded with a number being species of principal importance for biodiversity (SPIs). Old nests of other nesting birds were noted across the Site. These were all noted within the woodland and hedgerows around the Site. Current designs show that woodland areas and hedgerows are all mostly being retained, and the Concept Design is under review to seek to ensure maximum retention. Red kite was noted carrying nesting material at the southern tip of the Site and are considered likely to be breeding off site. No reptiles were noted on Site. However, suitable habitat in the form of woodland and hedgerow edge and arable field margin is present on site but these are highly restricted and limited to the edges of fields. These habitats could support grass snake and common lizard. There is potential for GCN to be on Site with three ponds (P1, P2 and P3) offering suitable breeding habitat. There are trees with bat potential around the Site, most notably mature/veteran oak trees and dead trees in hedgerows. There are potentially four mature oak trees on the left-hand side of the existing track linking the southern part of the Site with the northern section. These were noted as having bat potential. There is suitable habitat on Site to support dormouse, specifically the unmanaged hedgerows and woodland. However, no records have been provided within 2km and any populations in this part of Oxfordshire are considered to be small and restricted in extent. There is suitable habitat on Site and adjacent to the Site for this species, specifically woodland, hedgerow and farmland margins. No evidence of this species has been recorded from the Site to date but there are a number of records from the local area. Proposed Baseline Ecological Studies Based on the assessment work undertaken to date the following baseline surveys are proposed in order to provide a robust baseline for ecological impact assessment: • Desk study (completed); • Extended Phase 1 habitat survey (completed); • eDNA survey of ponds for the presence/absence of GCN and where present to undertake a population survey; • Breeding bird survey with a focus on farmland birds through three Site surveys over the breeding bird season (survey one completed); • Badger survey; and • Bat roost potential survey of trees. The following surveys are scoped out of further baseline survey:
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Reptiles: whilst suitable habitats exist for common reptile species these are restricted to the margins of the Site. These habitats will be retained and enhanced and as such it is considered that reptiles if present will see an overall increase in suitable habitat as a result of the development. The common reptiles are only protected from killing and injuring and it is considered that this can be achieved through the adoption of suitable measures as part of Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) and Landscape and Ecology Management Plan (LEMP). Dormouse: whilst the Site supports suitable habitat for this species there are no records within 2 km of the site and limited amounts of woodland and hedgerow habitat, which will be retained except for small impacts where access may need to be provided. It is considered that even if present protection for this species this can be achieved through the adoption of suitable measures as part of the LEMP. Polecat: Whilst the site supports suitable habitat for this species and there are records within 2 km of the Site. The proposed scheme is unlikely to result in the loss of suitable and it is considered that protection of this species can be achieved through the adoption of suitable measures as part of CEMP and LEMP. Assessment In the absence of mitigation/compensation measures the following impacts are considered likely to arise from the Proposed Development: • Temporary loss of arable farmland; • Potential loss of mature trees; • Temporary loss of a proportion of breeding skylark territories; • Potential disturbance of badger setts and badgers during construction; • Potential loss of bat roosts in trees; • Creation of grassland in amongst the solar array; • New planting of trees and hedgerows; • Temporary potential loss of great crested newt terrestrial habitat; • Potential impacts on great crested newt during construction; and • Potential temporary small-scale loss of breeding bird habitat with the possible loss of sections of hedgerow and trees. These potential impacts can be mitigated through adapting the design to retain hedgerows and mature trees where possible and providing appropriate buffer zones around sensitive locations such as badger setts, mature tree and great crested newt ponds. Impacts can be avoided or mitigated further by undertaking construction work in a manner that avoids or minimises impacts arising from disturbance. Those impacts that cannot be avoided or mitigated can be compensated through the creation of new habitat such as replacement skylark nesting habitat and new sections of hedgerow. Finally an overall enhancement in biodiversity can be achieved through habitat creation to benefit a wide range of biodiversity such that the Proposed Development provides an overall net biodiversity gain. For example, species-rich grassland can be promoted amongst the solar panels or field margins and corners and tussock grassy margins for reptiles and small mammals can also be created.
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Taking account of potential mitigation and compensation measures and considering the generally low value of the habitats present within the Site it is considered that the Proposed Development with good design is likely to result in an overall net gain for biodiversity and that impacts on particular species of conservation concern can be fully mitigated and or compensated such that the Proposed Development is unlikely to result in a significant adverse impact on ecological features.
4.4 Impacts on Amenity
The need to protect the amenity of the local area and nearby sensitive receptors through minimising visual and noise impacts and the potential effects of glint and glare is a requirement of both national and local planning policy. Likely visual impacts have been assessed in the Landscape and Visual Impact section above and been found to not be significant. The potential effects of noise and glint and glare are considered below. Noise A preliminary noise assessment has been undertaken by Inacoustic to inform this EIA Screening Report and can be found at Appendix 4. In summary the assessment details the baseline noise survey results, an outline of the relevant assessment methodologies for the construction phase and preliminary noise emissions from the operational phase. The baseline noise survey indicates that the Site as a quiescent ambient sound climate, representative of a typical rural location with farming activities. The survey results indicate that night-time levels are lower than those measured during the day and are reasonably consistent at all nearest noise-sensitive receptors. The preliminary noise assessment will be expanded when accompanying the planning application to cover the construction and decommissioning stage of the Proposed Development. Construction works have the potential to result in noise and vibration impacts due to activities associated with plant use and construction vehicle movements. These impacts are likely to be localised and temporary in nature over the duration of c.30-week construction works. Controls for noise and vibration will be outlined in a. Construction Method Statement to be appended to the Design and Access Statement. Construction works should predominately take place during daytime hours, however, if extended working hours are required (evenings and weekends), then a Section 61 notice will be applied for in advance for each activity. The preliminary operational noise calculations indicate that there is a likely to be a low impact during the operational phase, with predicted levels below the prevailing background sound level with the selected equipment. The potential impacts are not considered to be ‘significant’ in the context of the EIA Regulations. Following implementation of appropriate mitigation during the construction phase, and appropriately designed and selected plant during the operational phase, no significant effects on noise and vibration are considered likely. The Noise Impact Assessment will be updated as the Concept Design layout develops, in full accordance with the relevant British Standards, and accompany the submitted planning application.
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Glint and Glare An EIA screening assessment has been undertaken by Page Power, the results of which are summarised below and provided in full at Appendix 5. The Proposed Development is rurally located and is bound by local roads and the A4074, as well as a number of dwellings with potential views of the Site. There are three aerodromes in the surrounding environment, these include: • Chalgrove Airfield 7km east southeast: now owned by Homes England, there are plans for redevelopment of the site with 3000 homes; • RAF Abingdon 7.3km west: primarily used as a diversion airfield for RAF Benson and therefore there is limited flying from this aerodrome; and • RAF Benson 10.5km south east: support helicopter main operating base, home to two front-line helicopter squadrons, and one Operational Conversion Unit, also home to the civilian National Police Air Service and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Potential effects at the identified receptors include: • Glint – a momentary flash of bright light (typically experienced by moving receptors); and • Glare – a continuous source of bright light (typically experienced by static receptors). The impact significance will be determined considering the visibility of the solar reflection including level of screening (existing or proposed), the sensitivity of the receptor, location of origin of the solar glare, time and duration of any reflection, location of the Sun at the time a solar reflection is possible, and solar reflection intensity (aviation only). A desktop review of the available imagery and Concept Plan has been completed. Considering the Proposed Development’s rural location, the sensitivity and relative geographic location of the surrounding receptors requiring assessment and expected viability for mitigation in the form of screening, the potential impacts are not considered to be ‘significant’ in the context of the EIA Regulations. A Solar Photovoltaic Glint and Glare Assessment will accompany the planning application and will include the modelling of a solar panel tracking system. The assessment will include the detailed modelling of the solar panels relative to surrounding roads including the A4074 and dwellings immediately surrounding the Site with potential views of the Proposed Development. Considering the expected aerodrome use and geographic location relative to the Proposed Development, impacts upon aviation receptors will not be assessed in detail however the MOD will be consulted to confirm its position.
4.5 Agricultural Land Impacts
Askew Land & Soil Limited has prepared a semi-detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Report regarding the Fields 1-6 at the Site (see Appendix 6). This section is a summary of its findings.
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The NPPF (paragraphs 170 and 171) require consideration of development which affects the best and most versatile (BMV) agriculture land, i.e. ALC Grade 1, Grade 2 and Subgrade 3a. See Natural England’s Technical Information Note 0499. A semi-detailed ALC survey of the approximately 123 ha Site was carried out on the 19th and 20th March 2020. The semi-detailed survey involved examination of the soil’s physical properties at 30 locations located on a 200m by 200m grid, i.e. at a density of approximately 1 auger bore per 4ha of land surveyed. The soil profile was examined at each sample location to a maximum depth of approximately 1.2m by hand with the use of a 5cm diameter Dutch (Edleman) soil auger. Two soil pits were hand dug with a spade to examine certain soil physical properties, such as soil structure and stone content, more closely. From Meteorological Office ALC Climate Data, the soil within the Site is at field capacity (i.e. near saturation point) for 125 days in the year. This is low in comparison with central, lowland England, where the soil is at field capacity for approximately 150 days per year. The area receives approximately 596mm of rainfall annually, which is below the average for central, lowland England (i.e. approximately 700mm). The British Geological Survey (BGS) describes how the Site is underlain by mudstone in the Kimmeridge Clay Formation in the north and west of the Site (i.e. Fields 1, 2, 3 and 4). In some areas, the mudstone is covered partly by superficial deposits of Head (clay, silt, sand and gravel), i.e. Fields 1, 3 and 4. The higher land over the remainder of the Site in the south and southeast (Fields 5 and 6) is underlain by limestone and calcareous sandstone in the Portland Group, with no superficial deposits. The Soil Survey of England and Wales National Soil Map (1:250,000) indicates that the low-lying ground in the north of the Site (i.e. Fields 2, 3 and 4) are covered by slowly permeable and seasonally waterlogged fine loamy over clay, and clay soils in the Wickham 2 association. The Map also indicates that the higher land in the southeast (i.e. Fields 5 and 6), is covered by well drained sandy soils in the Frilford association. The semi-detailed ALC survey has determined that the quality of agricultural land at the Site is classified as Grade 2, Subgrade 3a and Subgrade 3b, as shown on the semi-detailed ALC map, see Figure 4.1 below. The Grade 2 land (very high sensitivity receptor) is mapped over 19.7ha or approximately 16% of the Site. Subgrade 3a (high sensitivity receptor) is mapped over 10.3ha, or approximately 8% of the Site. The vast majority of the Site is Subgrade 3b (medium sensitivity receptor) mapped over 85.8ha, or approximately 70% of the Site. Following the approach of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Handbook (Third Edition, December 2019, ICE Publications), the magnitude of the change on agricultural land relates to the permanent loss, or reduction in quality, due to development. The significance of the effect of the Proposed Development is summarised below:
9 9Natural England (December, 2012). ‘Agricultural Land Classification: protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land (TIN049)’. Available online: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/35012 Last viewed 2nd April 2020
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Figure 4.1: Agricultural Land Classification • On the Grade 2 land it is assessed as being temporary (reversible), major adverse – which is significant; • On the Subgrade 3a land it is assessed as being as being temporary (reversible), major/moderate adverse – which is significant; and • On the Subgrade 3b land it is assessed as being temporary (reversible), moderate adverse – which is significant. This is due to the area of agricultural land involved, rather than its quality in ALC terms. Once renewable electricity generation has ceased, and the Proposed Development removed, the agricultural land would be restored. With land use being changed from intensive agriculture to grassland, it is likely that soil health will be improved over the operational life of the generating station, i.e. increase in soil organic matter, increase in the diversity of soil flora, fauna and microbes, and improve soil structure. The semi-detailed ALC survey is sufficiently robust to have determined the location and extent (area in ha) of the BMV agricultural land at the Site. It is therefore concluded that further, more detailed, ALC survey is not necessary. Furthermore, impacts on agricultural land and soil does not
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Page 26 Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request require detailed environmental impact assessment, however a Soil Resource Plan (SRP) should be provided as a requirement of the planning permission in the event it is determined to approve the planning application. The SRP would be outlined in the LEMP submitted with the planning application and would demonstrate how soil at the Site will be managed during construction, and how the land will be returned to its former agricultural quality and productivity. This follows the approach of the Department for Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) ‘Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites’10.
4.6 Flood Risk Impacts
A Flood Risk Screening Report has been prepared by RMA to assess all flood risks (from river, the sea, surface water, reservoirs, sewers and groundwater) to and from the Proposed Development and proposed mitigation measures (refer to Appendix 7). There are three ordinary watercourses11 located within the Site which generally flow in either a northerly or southerly direction: • Watercourse 1 which flows in a westerly direction along part of the northern Site boundary; • Watercourse 2 which flows through the centre of the Site towards the northern boundary. Both it and Watercourse 1 converge and flow in a northerly direction into the Littlemore Brook, a “main river” approximately 1.4km to the north of the Site; and • Watercourse 3 which flows along the southern boundary of the Site in a southerly direction into the River Thames approximately 4.1km to the south of the Site. The River Thames, a “main river”, is located approximately 1.1km to the west of the Site at its closest point and flows in a southerly direction. The proposed Concept Design is being reviewed to ensure an appropriate buffer will be provided from the top of the bank of the watercourses to ensure access for maintenance. The EA’s Flood Map for Planning indicates that the Site is located within Flood Zone 1 (low risk) and is considered to be located within Flood Zone 1 for the lifetime of the Proposed Development. Therefore, the Proposed Development would not be adversely affected by fluvial flooding or increase the risk of flooding elsewhere (see Figure 4.2 below). The majority of the Site has a very low surface water flood risk with some areas of up to a high surface water flood risk associated with watercourses and isolated ponding. However, the proposed solar panels would be elevated on framework 0.8 m above ground level, and, therefore, would not impede any surface water flow paths or displace any ponding of surface water (see Figure 4.3 below).
10 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (September, 2009) ‘Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites’. Available online @ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-sustainable-use-of-soils-on- construction-sites. Last viewed 19 February 2020 11 Ordinary watercourse is defined by the EA as any watercourse including every river, stream, ditch, drain, cut, dyke, sluice, sewer (other than a public sewer) and passage through which water flows and which does not form part of a main river.
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The South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) indicates that ‘between 50% and 75% of one of the 1km squares that the Site is located within is susceptible to groundwater emergence’ which is likely to be due to the proximity of the watercourses particularly in the northern part of the Site. However, any groundwater flooding is likely to be shallow and would not adversely affect the Proposed Development.
Figure 4.2: Environment Agency’s Flood Map for Planning The SFRA indicates that the Site lies within a postcode area with eight records of Thames Water sewer flooding. No further details are given on the location or extent of these records and, given that only a small number of incidents are recorded over a large postcode area and the Proposed Development does not require a sewer connection, the Site is not considered to be at a significant risk of flooding from sewer flooding. It is not considered necessary to provide Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for the proposed solar arrays as solar panels do not have a significant effect on runoff volumes, peaks or time to peak if grass cover is well maintained underneath panels and between rows. Therefore, it is proposed to maintain the grass cover to prevent areas of bare ground and erosion occurring. This will be detailed within the LEMP to be prepared to accompany the planning application and can be secured by way of a planning condition in the event permission is granted. All proposed roads and tracks would be constructed of a permeable material (e.g. gravel); therefore, there would be no increase in runoff from these areas. Battery storage units and sub- stations will be located in storage containers or cabins raised on legs above a 300mm sub-base formed of permeable material (i.e. gravel).
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A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and Outline Surface Water Drainage Strategy would be prepared and submitted alongside the planning application for the Proposed Development. The FRA will be undertaken to ensure that the Proposed Development is safe and that it will not increase flood risk elsewhere. A site-specific Outline Surface Water Drainage Strategy which focuses on the management of surface water runoff will be prepared.
Figure 4.3: Environment Agency’s Surface Water Flood Map Following the implementation of mitigation measures identified through the FRA and the Outline Surface Water Drainage Strategy, there are not expected to be any residual significant effects from the Proposed Development, and it will not increase flood risk to the Site itself or elsewhere.
4.7 Traffic and Access Impacts
A review of the Transport and Access effects of the Proposed Development has been prepared by Transport Planning Associates (TPA). This is provided in full at Appendix 8 and summarised below. TPA is also preparing a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) to accompany the planning submission. The aim of the CTMP is to minimise the effect of the construction phase on the highway network. It will contain all of the required information for the construction phase, as well as a package of mitigation measures. Vehicular access to the Site, both during the construction and operational phase, will be made via an existing farm access on the A4074. In the vicinity of the Site the A4074 comprises a single
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Page 29 Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request carriageway two-way road, measuring approximately 8.5m in width. The road is subject to a 50mph speed limit. There are precedents of access junctions along the A4074. Construction Phase In transport and access terms, the effects of the construction phase will be more significant compared to the operational phase, which is not expected to generate any significant traffic movements. The Applicant has advised that the construction period will take approximately seven months (around 30 weeks). It is expected that there will be a maximum of eight HGVs bringing the equipment onto the Site per day over the construction period. In addition, approximately 60 to 70 construction workers are anticipated to be required on-site during an average day. During peak construction this would increase for a short period of time. It is envisaged that the majority of the workforce will stay at local accommodation and be transported to the Site by minibuses to minimise the effect on the strategic and local highway network, particularly during peak construction. All construction vehicles will enter and exit the Site via the existing farm access junction on the A4074. Banksman will be provided at the junction to ensure the safe manoeuvre of vehicles. All vehicles will access the A4074 from the A34 via the Southern By-Pass Road and Eastern By-Pass Road, which are part of the Strategic Road Network. The CTMP will be implemented during the construction phase of the Proposed Development. In light of the tests required by the IEMA, all environmental effects in relation to transportation for the construction phases are considered to be temporary and negligible. Operational Phase There are anticipated to be one or two vehicle visits to the Site per month for maintenance. These would typically be made by a light van or a 4x4 type vehicle. In light of this, it is considered that the effects of the operational phase in terms of transportation will be negligible. The cumulative effect is therefore also considered to be negligible. Decommissioning Phase The number of vehicles associated with the decommissioning phase will not exceed the number set out for the construction phase. As such, all environmental effects in relation to transportation for the decommissioning phases are considered to be temporary and negligible. In light of the information above it is concluded that the likely transport and access impacts associated with the Proposed Development can be fully mitigated such that it is unlikely to result in a significant adverse impact on traffic.
4.8 Cumulative Impacts
The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment will consider the cumulative impact of the Proposed Development with the consented battery storage facility to the south of the existing Cowley Substation (Application Ref: P19/S0623/FUL). From a review of the SODC on-line planning portal there would not appear to be any other consented developments that would appear to warrant a cumulative impact assessment at this time.
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5. Conclusion
The Proposed Development does not fall within Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations, but it does fall within Paragraph 3(a) of Schedule 2 of the EIA Regulations, as an industrial installation for the production of electricity. The threshold for paragraph 3(a) development to qualify as Schedule 2 development is 0.5ha. Since the Proposed Development would occupy an area of approximately 123ha, this threshold is exceeded, and the proposal qualifies as Schedule 2 development. Schedule 2 developments do not however automatically require EIA. Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations sets out the selection criteria for screening Schedule 2 developments. The characteristics and location of the Proposed Development along with the characteristics of the potential impacts are key determinants as to whether the Proposed Development constitutes an EIA development. A summary appraisal of Schedule 3 is provided in Table 5.1 below:
Characteristics of Development Assessment EIA Size and design of development The Site area is 123ha, exceeding 0.5ha threshold. Maximum No height of panels do not exceed 3m. Non reflective tracking technology which maximises energy generation by 20-25% when compared to fixed arrays. Initial landscape and visual appraisal show Proposed Development is generally enclosed with limited potential visibility and opportunity to mitigate close views with effective screening. Only approximately 4% of the site area will be impact by built development. Cumulation with other The Proposed Development would only be undertaken with No development ancillary development of minor scale. As part of LVIA a cumulative impact assessment will be undertaken considering the nearby consented battery storage facility. Use of natural resources The Proposed Development will require solar panels, other No ancillary electrical equipment and batteries all of which use natural resources. However, it would also make efficient use of sunlight, a renewable resource, to generate electricity rather than high carbon polluting fossil fuels. It would enable the potential continued use of agricultural land between the solar arrays for grazing and reversion to arable agriculture on decommissioning. Production of waste No waste would be produced other than a limited amount during No construction through excavation of cable trenches. The metal framework will be driven into the soil rather than piling or deep foundations which would result in the creation of greater volumes of waste spoil. Pollution and nuisances The noise impacts are anticipated to be limited from the No inverter/transformer stations and batteries and not likely to be perceptible to sensitive receptors above background noise levels and will not occur at night. There will be no harmful pollutants or odours. Disturbance arising from construction and related traffic will be short term in nature. A CTMP will control and minimise impacts. There will be no adverse impacts from glint and glare. Risks to human health There would be a low risk of accidents during the temporary No construction period. Public access amongst the solar arrays and substation and battery compounds will be restricted by the 2.2m high security fencing and security cameras. Location of Development Existing land use The existing use is agricultural land. The Site contains no No statutory or non-statutory designations for landscape, ecology or heritage assets. The site is not proximate to existing settlements. The EIA Regulations define “sensitive areas” in regulation 2(1),
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and an EIA is more likely to be required if a sensitive area is affected. The Site is not located in a sensitive area and distance, topography and intervening vegetation means it does not significantly affect the distant AONBs, ecological resources and heritage assets. Relative abundance, quality and The agricultural land use will change from arable crops to No regenerative capacity of natural harvesting of sunlight and potentially low intensity sheep resources in the area grazing. This will be temporary and fully reversible. 70% of the land is not prime agricultural land. Soil will rest and its quality improve. The Proposed Development will significantly improve the biodiversity of the Site. Absorption capacity of the natural Initial landscape and visual appraisal show the Proposed No environment Development can be absorbed well into the landscape. The layout of the Proposed Development will maintain and protect existing internal hedgerows, mature hedgeline trees, field margins, watercourse corridors ad woodland. It is in Flood Zone 1 and will not result in an increased risk of flooding subject to mitigation measures. Due to screening and the site location there will be minimal intervisibility with the setting of heritage assets. In terms of proximity to residential and footpath receptors the Proposed Development sits passively in the landscape, will be well screened and noise from construction and operation will be limited and controlled through specific hours of construction. Characteristics of Potential Impact Magnitude, extent and nature of The impact of the Proposed Development will relate to No impacts agricultural land, impact on the amenity of proximate footpath users and potential archaeological remains. The land will remain in agricultural use, reverting to arable farming on decommissioning with improved soil quality. Archaeological protection can be secured through the appropriate imposition of planning conditions, and the amenity of footpath users will be protected through enhanced screening and biodiversity interest. Impacts beyond the site boundary will be limited including on views from the two AONBs which are not significantly impacted due to distance, topography and intervening vegetation. The Proposed Development is temporary and fully reversible and impacts from construction are short in duration. Transboundary nature of impact The Proposed Development will make an important contribution No to achieving legally binding national targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and local renewable energy targets. Intensity and complexity of impact The magnitude of effect will be low and non-complex No Probability of impact It is considered that, based on the preliminary assessments No informing this Screening Request, the Proposed Development will not have a significant impact, and this will be fully evidenced by the assessments accompanying the planning application. Duration, frequency and The effects of construction will be temporary (30 weeks). The No reversibility of impact effects of operation will be long term 35 years) but temporary and fully reversible. The effects of decommissioning will be temporary and short term. Cumulation of impact The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment will consider the NO cumulative impact of the Proposed Development with nearby development. The initial ZTV indicates limited visibility due to intervening built form and vegetation. Possibility of reducing impact Impacts will be reduced through effective screening, biodiversity NO enhancements and through in-built mitigation into the design through iterative reviews as the environmental assessment work and community engagement progresses. Table 5.1: Assessment of Proposed Development as EIA Development
Further to consideration of the potential impacts and relevant selection criteria for screening Schedule 2 development presented in Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations, it is concluded that the
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Proposed Development is unlikely to have significant environmental impacts. As such it is recommended that the Proposed Development is not EIA Development and does not require an Environmental Statement to be submitted with the future planning application. Notwithstanding the findings of this EIA Screening Report, it is proposed that the planning application would be accompanied by the following assessments relevant to environmental impact considerations: • Planning Statement including considerations of alternatives and impact on Green Belt; • Design and Access Statement, including a Construction Method Statement; • Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA); • Heritage Desk-Based Assessment (including archaeological assessment); • Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) including Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment; • Noise Impact Assessment (NIA); • Glint & Glare Assessment; • Agricultural Land Classification Survey; • Flood Risk Assessment and Outline Surface Water Drainage Strategy; • Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) including a Soil Resource Plan; and • Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). The application would also be accompanied by the planning application drawings and a Statement of Community Involvement. Any additional surveys e.g. ecological will also be undertaken pre-submission in order to provide a comprehensive evidence-backed application that fully assesses and addresses actual or potential environmental impacts.
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Appendix 1: Site Location Plan
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Page 34 Field 4 Field 3 Field 2
Site Access
Field 5
Field 1
Field 6
REV. DSGD DATE MODIFICATION PROJECT NAME: Cowley Baldon Solar Farm Site Boundary DRAWING TITLE: Land Application Boundary Aardvark EM Limited Exisitng Location Plan Higher Ford Wiveliscombe Taunton Somerset TA4 2RL Field Boundary Tel: 01984 624989 DRAWING No: REVISION: Fax: 01984 623912 2013/D003 v.b [email protected] www.aardvarkem.co.uk SCALE: FORMAT: DATE: * This document is exclusive property of Aardvark EM Limited. Copying, reproduction or disclosure to third parties is prohibited without written permission of Aardvark EM Limited and in case of infringement, Aardvark EM Limited seek 1:2500 A0 30 Apr 2020 damages for breach of statutory or contractual obligations.
File:\Z:\Data 2020\2013 Enso Green Holdings - Cowley\Data & Drawings\CAD\2013-D003-Cowley Drawn By: DP Checked By: RN Baldon Solar Farm.dwg Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request
Appendix 2: Zone of Theoretical Visibility
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Page 35 LEGEND
Sitebo unda ry
Distancefrom bosite unda(5km ry )
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Settlem ent
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Z o neofTheo reticaVisibility l (ZTV)(co mgenerated puter - ) b a sedonpanel height of3m
:JB\47C LYS A_AM8I\R JECTS\7427_SK_001_ZTV_V2.1.MXD LAR_FARM\8GIS\PRO WLEY_SO X:\JOBS\7427_CO Thisdrawing bais sedupon co mgenerated puter Zo neofTheo reticaVisibility l (ZTV) studiesprod ucedusing theviewshed routinethein ESRIArcGIS The Suite. area s sho wnarethe ma ximumtheo reticavisibility, l taking intoac ctopography, o unt principal wo o d landsand settlem which ents, ha vebeen included theinmo d elwith theheights o b tainedfrom Nextmasho uldIt be 25. noted p somintha t earea wo s o d landsincluded withintheZTV ma yco m priseac resultingforestry, tive thein felling and replanting of som earea mo s d elledtheinZTV Thestudy. ZTV studyreflec a at patternthis ts spec ificbaispointtime, in as it sed onrea height l informa Whilst tion. thefelling cycle willaltertheheights ofdifferent area offorestry s over time, altering loc a lisedvisual effecthewider will ts, pattern rem arelatively in co nstant.
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PROJECTTITLE COWLEY BALDON SOLAR FARM AND BATTERY STORAGE
DRAWINGTITLE PreliminaryZo neofTheo reticaVisibility l (ZTV)Study, includingwo o d landsand settlem ents
ISSUEDBY O xford T: 01865887050 DATE April202030 DRAWN VW SCALE@A3 1:45,000 CHECKED NA STATUS Final APPROV ED BC
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Thisdrawing ma yco Ordnance ntain: Survey ma terialby permission ofOrdnance Survey onbeha lfofthe Controller ofHer Ma jesty’sStationery Office ©Crown Copyright, Allrightsreserved 2020Reference . numb er 0100031673. OOpen S ©daNatural / England ta ©DEFRA © / DECC © / Historic / England. Contains Ordnance Survey da ta. AerialPho tography - Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request
Appendix 3: Preliminary Assessment of Historic Environment
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Page 36 [project name] Headland Archaeology [project code/job]
ECSO20
COWLEY BALDON SOLAR FARM AND BATTERY STORAGE, NUNEHAM COURTENAY, OXFORDSHIRE
Preliminary Assessment for EIA Screening
for Cowley Baldon Green Limited
15th April 2020
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Cowley Baldon Solar Farm Headland Archaeology ECSO20
COWLEY BALDON SOLAR FARM AND BATTERY STORAGE, NUNEHAM COURTENAY, OXFORDSHIRE
Preliminary Assessment for EIA Screening
for Cowley Baldon Green Limited
15th April 2020
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ...... 2 1...... POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 2 2...... BASELINE ...... 2 3...... RESULTS ...... 3 3.1 The Inner Study Area ...... 3 3.2 The Outer Study Area ...... 3 4...... ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 3 5...... POTENTIAL MITIGATION ...... 4 6...... LIKELY RESIDUAL EFFECTS ...... 4
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COWLEY BALDON SOLAR FARM AND BATTERY STORAGE, NUNEHAM COURTENAY, OXFORDSHIRE
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT FOR EIA SCREENING
INTRODUCTION This preliminary assessment has been carried out to inform the screening request for the proposed Cowley Baldon Solar Farm. It is intended to identify potential effects of the Proposed Development upon the historic environment and to consider the likelihood that such effects would be considered Significant in EIA terms. The historic environment comprises archaeological sites, historic buildings, gardens and designed landscapes, historic battlefields and other sites, features or places in the landscape that have the capacity to provide information about past human activity, or which have cultural relevance due to associations with folklore or historic events. Sites of cultural heritage interest may also be informed by their ‘setting’ within the wider landscape. Historic landscape is not treated as a heritage asset for the purposes of this assessment except where a defined area of landscape has been designated for its heritage interest (including Conservation Areas and areas included in the Register of Parks and Gardens). It is recognised that all landscapes have an historic dimension, and this will be considered as part of the assessment of Landscape Character.
1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS Effects on the historic environment can arise through direct physical impacts, impacts on setting or indirect impacts: • Direct physical impacts describe those development activities that directly cause damage to the fabric of a heritage asset. Typically, these activities are related to construction works and will only occur within the Site. • An impact on the setting of a heritage asset occurs when the presence of a development changes the surroundings of a heritage asset in such a way that it affects (positively or negatively) the cultural significance of that asset. Visual impacts are most commonly encountered but other environmental factors such as noise, light or air quality can be relevant in some cases. Impacts may be encountered at all stages in the life cycle of a development from construction to decommissioning but they are only likely to lead to significant effects during the prolonged operational life of the development. • Indirect impacts describe secondary processes, triggered by the development, that lead to the degradation or preservation of heritage assets. For example, changes to hydrology may affect archaeological preservation; or changes to the setting of a building may affect the viability of its current use and thus lead to dereliction.
2 BASELINE The baseline used for this preliminary assessment has been compiled using digital data received from the Oxford and Oxfordshire Historic Environment Records, and designations data available as GIS datasets from the Historic England (HE) website. This has been supplemented with a review of available online aerial imagery and historic Ordnance Survey mapping. Two study areas have been used for the identification of heritage assets that may be affected by the Proposed Development: • The Inner Study Area (ISA) corresponds to the extent of the Application Boundary. • The Outer Study Area (OSA) extends to 1.5km from the Application Boundary. The assets in the OSA will inform the archaeological potential of the ISA and will also be considered for operational impacts on setting depending on the level of significance assigned to the asset (defined in the DBA Methodology).
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Cowley Baldon Solar Farm Headland Archaeology ECSO20
3 RESULTS
3.1 The Inner Study Area There are no designated or undesignated heritage assets recorded within the ISA. An initial study of the HER data has identified that immediately to the west of the ISA evidence of Roman settlement was discovered during a watching brief on a new pipeline adjacent to the A4074. Available aerial imagery shows that the ISA is and has historically been in use as arable fields. No cropmarks are visible on available imagery for the ISA. Nineveh Farmhouse which is central to the ISA (but outside the Site) is not recorded as heritage asset. The avenue approach from the southwest and the large gardens with specimen trees that are visible on current aerial imagery date from the second half of the 20th century.
3.2 The Outer Study Area There are 94 listed buildings within 1.5km of the Site, these are detailed in Table 1 below. They include 6 listed at Grade II* (three churches, a farmhouse and two houses), the remainder are Grade II listed. The majority of the Grade II listed buildings are houses but they include churches, farmhouses and associated buildings, a causeway and small structures such as memorials in churchyards and a telephone kiosk. They also include Oxford Lodge and the entrance gates to Nuneham Courteny Arboretum, which are located within the Grade I Registered Park and Garden of Nuneham Courtenay. There are no other designated heritage assets within 1.5km of the Site, the closest Scheduled Monument is the site of some Roman kilns (List Entry 1006337) situated 2km to the south of the Site. The Registered Park of Nuneham Courtenay (List Entry 1000122) extends from 975m to 4.2km southwest from the Site. In addition to the lodge and gates on the northeast edge of the registered area, the park includes the Grade I listed (and Scheduled) Carfax Conduit (moved from its original location to form a feature within the parkland), the Grade II* listed Nuneham House and Church of All Saints and twenty further Grade II listed buildings (the locations of designated assets within the park are shown on Figure 2). Important views from Nuneham House in the northwest of the park (approximately 2.1km southwest of the Site), are identified in the register as being to the west and north. The distance to the development area and the house means that impacts on this designated asset are likely to be minimal due to existing vegetation screening and intervening buildings, and can be mitigated further through the design of the scheme.
4 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY The baseline of the DBA will be informed by further interrogation of the Oxfordshire and Oxford HER data and the designations data maintained by Historic England as well as examination of Lidar data, historic maps and aerial photographs (where available). A site visit will be undertaken to assess the condition of heritage assets identified from the desk-based study, identify any previously unrecorded assets, and gather information about current site conditions (eg land use and topography) relevant to the assessment. The assessment will be carried out with reference to the following policy and guidance: • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2019; • Planning Practise Guidance (PPG) In particular ‘Historic environment’ 2019 and Renewable and low carbon energy 2014 • Historic England’s Advice Notes including; o Managing Significance in Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment (GPA2) o The Setting of Heritage Assets (GPA3) • Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment (Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA 2014); • Standard and guidance for commissioning work or providing consultancy advice on archaeology and the historic environment (CIfA 2014) A Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) setting out the scope of the desk-based assessment will be submitted to the Oxfordshire Development Control Archaeologist in line with their guidance note.
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Cowley Baldon Solar Farm Headland Archaeology ECSO20
A systematic search will be undertaken of all readily available and relevant documentary sources for the study area, following the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists’ (CIfA) Standard and Guidance for archaeological desk-based assessment. This will typically include: • • Spatial data, lists and descriptions of designated assets from Historic England; • • Archaeological records from the English Heritage Archive, viewed through the Heritage Gateway website (www.heritagegateway.org.uk); • • Archaeological records held by Oxfordshire HER and Oxford HER; • • Aerial photographs in the English Heritage Archive and other collections; • • Historic maps and plans held by the Oxfordshire archives; and • • Other readily available published sources and unpublished archaeological reports. A gazetteer of heritage assets within the study area will be compiled. An appraisal of designated heritage assets in the wider area based on the ZTV supplied by the LVIA consultant will be carried out to identify any potentially significant effects on their settings. Potential impacts on unknown heritage assets will be discussed in terms of the risk that a significant effect could occur. The level of risk depends on the level of archaeological potential combined with the nature and scale of disturbance associated with construction activities and may vary between high and negligible for different elements or activities associated with a development, or for the development as a whole. Potential impacts on the settings of heritage assets will be identified from an initial desk-based appraisal of data from the National Heritage List and the HER and consideration of current maps and aerial images available on the internet. Where this initial appraisal identifies the potential for a significant effect, the asset will (where possible) be visited to define baseline conditions and identify key viewpoints. Visualisations will be prepared (by the LVIA consultant) to illustrate changes to key views, where potential effects are identified. Following the desk-based assessment the County Archaeologist will be consulted regarding the scope of any further investigation needed to inform the application and regarding appropriate mitigation measures.
5 POTENTIAL MITIGATION Where potential effects are identified, mitigation measures will be proposed. The preferred mitigation option is always to avoid or reduce impacts through design, or through precautionary measures such as fencing off heritage assets during construction works. Cultural heritage constraint areas will, where necessary, be defined to include an appropriate buffer around known heritage assets to avoid impacts. Constraint areas can be treated as a ‘trigger’ for the identification of potential direct impacts: they represent areas within which works may lead to direct impacts of more than negligible significance on known heritage assets. Adverse effects on heritage assets within the site which cannot be avoided through design may be mitigated by an appropriate level of survey, excavation, recording, analysis and publication of the results, in accordance with a written scheme of investigation Archaeological investigation can have a beneficial effect of increasing knowledge and understanding of an asset, thereby enhancing its archaeological and historical interest and offsetting (although not reducing) adverse effects. Avoidance of impacts resulting from changes in the setting of heritage assets in the surrounding area can be achieved by excluding sensitive areas (such as the higher ground, or areas visible from Nuneham House) from development. Alternatively, vegetation may be planted or enhanced to screen the development from key views and either remove or reduce the impacts.
6 LIKELY RESIDUAL EFFECTS There is a risk of harm to currently unknown archaeological remains within the Site, most likely further remains of Roman settlement within the west of the site. Such remains are unlikely to be of more than medium importance and any impacts are therefore unlikely to be of more than moderate significance in EIA terms. With careful design the development is unlikely to result in substantial harm to the significance of any designated assets in the wider area through change in their setting. Any changes would be fully reversible on decommissioning and after mitigation would be unlikely to be considered significant in EIA terms.
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Table 1 Listed Buildings within 1.5km of the Site
List Entry Grade Name Easting Northing
1047633 II* CHURCH OF ST ANDREW 453372 201750.4
1047672 II* MINCHERY FARMHOUSE 454535 202285.4
1047998 II* THE MANOR HOUSE 456679 200796.4
1048056 II* CHURCH OF ST PETER 456156 199099.4
BALDON HOUSE / BALDON HOUSE EAST 1048058 II* WING / BALDON HOUSE WEST WING 456142 199024.4
1193957 II* CHURCH OF ST LAWRENCE 456768 200255.4
1047634 II SANDFORD HOUSE 453512 201814.4
1047995 II 4 456875 200788.4
CHURCH OF ST LAWRENCE GROUP OF 3 CHEST TOMBS APPROXIMATELY 2 METRES 1047996 II TO SOUTH 456765 200243.4
1047997 II COURT HOUSE 456703 200804.4
THE MANOR HOUSE GARDEN WALL TO 1047999 II NORTH 456671 200839.4
THE MANOR HOUSE NORTHERN PAIR OF GATE PIERS APPROXIMATELY 2 METRES 1048000 II TO EAST 456685 200800.4
1048001 II PURLIN HOUSE 456548 200138.4
1048002 II 29, BALDON ROW 456622 200115.4
1048003 II YEW TREE COTTAGE 456653 200020.4
K6 TELEPHONE KIOSK OUTSIDE THE POST 1048004 II OFFICE 455335.6 199128.6
LOWER FARMHOUSE BARN RANGE 1048032 II APPROXIMATELY 20 METRES TO EAST 453698 200647.4
1048033 II 21 AND 22, A423 455242.1 199303.3
1048034 II 23 AND 24, A423 455264 199270.4
1048035 II 27 AND 28, A423 455303 199197.4
NUMBER 30A (POST OFFICE) AND NUMBER 1048036 II 31 455347 199119.4
1048037 II 32 AND 33, A423 455361 199091.4
1048038 II 38, 39 AND 40, A423 455398 199024.4
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Cowley Baldon Solar Farm Headland Archaeology ECSO20
1048039 II 17 AND 18, A423 455244 199260.4
1048040 II 13 AND 14, A423 455283 199187.4
1048041 II 11 AND 12, A423 455308 199139.4
1048042 II 7 AND 8, A423 455341 199080.4
1048043 II 5 AND 6, A423 455354 199055.4
1048044 II 1 AND 2, A423 455376 199012.4
1048051 II THE RECTORY 454421.9 198826.8
1048053 II NUNEHAM COURTENAY OXFORD LODGE 455508 198719.4
ENTRANCE GATES TO NUNEHAM 1048054 II COURTENEY ARBORETUM 455504.7 198732.9
1048055 II WANTILLS 455866 199088.4
PAIR OF CHEST TOMBS APPROXIMATELY 2 METRES SOUTH WEST OF CHURCH OF ST 1048057 II PETER 456145 199086.4
STABLES APPROXIMATELY 40 METRES 1048059 II NORTH OF BALDON HOUSE 456161 199083.4
STONE COFFIN APPROXIMATELY 250 1048060 II METRES SOUTH WEST OF BALDON HOUSE 455873 198933.4
1048061 II FAIROAK 456422 200118.4
1048062 II PARSONAGE FARMHOUSE 456530 199627.4
1048063 II 18 AND 19, THE GREEN 456289 199618.4
1048064 II 37, THE GREEN 456458 199403.4
1048065 II STUART HOUSE 456478 199363.4
1048066 II ORCHARD COTTAGE 456366 199280.4
1048067 II 48, THE GREEN 456295 199282.4
1048068 II GLEBE COTTAGE 456220 199316.4
1182401 II TEMPLE FARMHOUSE 453184 201877.4
TEMPLE FARMHOUSE, DOORWAY AND 1182451 II WALL APPROXIMATELY 40 METRES NORTH 453149 201903.4
1182492 II THE CATHERINE WHEEL 453588 201645.4
WALLED GARDEN APPROXIMATELY 30 1193161 II METRES EAST OF BALDON HOUSE 456246 198983.4
BARNS APPROXIMATELY 40 METRES WEST 1193178 II OF PARSONAGE FARMHOUSE 456568 199646.4 - 6 -
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1193186 II THE SCHOOL HOUSE 456364 199611.4
1193192 II QUEENS COLLEGE 456614 199475.4
1193201 II 38 AND 39, THE GREEN 456459 199391.4
1193207 II LEYS COTTAGE 456409 199276.4
1193220 II 47, THE GREEN 456307 199283.4
1193224 II 11, THE GREEN 456188 199564.4
1193225 II 6, THE GREEN 456219 199334.4
1193363 II THE HARCOURT ARMS INN 455193.5 199342.9
1193386 II 15 AND 16, A423 455262 199225.4
1193390 II THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE 455287 199160.4
1193395 II 9 AND 10, A423 455327 199106.4
1193400 II 3 AND 4, A423 455366 199033.4
WALLED GARDEN APPROXIMATELY 20 1193582 II METRES EAST OF THE RECTORY 454498.2 198797.9
1193940 II NUMBER 1 AND 3 INCLUDING OUTBUILDING 456953 200842.4
CHURCH OF ST LAWRENCE YEAT MEMORIAL APPROXIMATELY 12 METRES 1193964 II TO SOUTH OF CHANCEL 456783 200251.4
THE MANOR HOUSE GRANARY 1193978 II APPROXIMATELY 30 METRES TO WEST 456654 200791.4
NUMBER 27 (QUEENS COTTAGE) AND 1193989 II NUMBER 28 456595.8 200119.1
1193990 II 31 Baldon Row, Toot Baldon 456642.4 200130.7
1193991 II HUNTERS GAP 456588 199680.4
1284512 II RIVER VIEW 453496 201699.4
NUMBER 5 (THE QUEENS COTTAGE) AND 1285919 II ATTACHED PUMP 456885 200759.4
1285927 II THE CROWN PUBLIC HOUSE 456708 200702.4
THE MANOR HOUSE SOUTHERN PAIR OF GATE PIERS APPROXIMATELY 2 METRES 1285931 II TO EAST 456685 200798.4
1286200 II 36 AND 37, A423 455385.7 199042
1286210 II 19 AND 20, A423 455223 199297.4
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CAUSEWAY APPROXIMATELY 400 METRES 1286272 II WEST OF BALDON HOUSE 455715.3 198927.2
COURT COTTAGE, BALDON HOUSE 1366109 II COTTAGE AND OUTBUILDING 456102 199051.4
BARN AND STABLE RANGE APPROXIMATELY 30 METRES NORTH EAST 1366113 II OF BALDON HOUSE 456188 199068.4
1368709 II LOWER FARMHOUSE 453662 200647.4
1368710 II BREWERS OF NUNEHAM LIMITED 455219 199360.4
1368711 II 25 AND 26, A423 455284 199234.4
1368712 II 29 AND 30, A423 455329 199151.4
1368713 II 34 AND 35, A423 455375 199066.4
STABLE BLOCK APPROXIMATELY 10 METRES SOUTH OF THE HARCOURT ARMS 1368714 II INN 455207 199328.4
1368722 II GATEWAYS 456119 199146.4
GIHON MEMORIAL AND RAILINGS APPROXIMATELY 5 METRES EAST OF 1368723 II CHURCH OF ST PETER 456172 199102.4
DOVECOTE APPROXIMATELY 90 METRES 1368724 II EAST OF BALDON HOUSE 456253 199061.4
ELIZABETH LANE MEMORIAL APPROXIMATELY 50 METRES EAST OF 1368725 II BALDON HOUSE 456195 199052.4
NUMBER 46 MARSH BALDON AND 1368726 II ATTACHED OUTBUILDING 456316 199285.4
1368727 II WILLOUGHBYS 456205 199359.4
1368730 II BARN COURT 456807 200781.4
CHURCH OF ST LAWRENCE CHURCHYARD CROSS APPROXIMATELY 2 METRES TO 1368731 II SOUTH 456770 200246.4
1368732 II THURLFIELD COTTAGE 456514 199908.4
TEMPLE FARMHOUSE, BARN AND FARM BUILDING APPROXIMATELY 15 METRES 1369217 II SOUTH 453180 201843.4
1369218 II BASIMORE COTTAGE 453213 201613.4
- 8 -
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm Headland Archaeology ECSO20
Table 2 Designated heritage assets within Nuneham Courtenay Registered Park
List Entry Grade Name Easting Northing
1193569 I (and (and Scheduled 1020965) Monument) CARFAX CONDUIT 453724.3 197669.4
1286134 II* CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS 454154 198261.4
1286179 II* NUNEHAM HOUSE 454051.9 198109.9
TERRACES TO SOUTH, WEST AND 1048045 II NORTH OF NUNEHAM HOUSE 454031 198059.4
SOUTHERN SECTION OF FORECOURT 1048046 II WALL AT NUNEHAM HOUSE 454081.9 198079.3
POLLARD MEMORIAL APPROXIMATELY 15 METRES EAST OF CHURCH OF ALL 1048047 II SAINTS 454182 198258.4
WELL HEAD APPROXIMATELY 50 METRES WEST SOUTH WEST OF TEMPLE OF 1048048 II FLORA 454160.2 198202.3
URN APPROXIMATELY 70 METRES 1048049 II NORTH WEST OF NUNEHAM HOUSE 454133.9 198205.7
1048050 II THE KEEPERS COTTAGE 454502 197303.4
1048051 II THE RECTORY 454421.9 198826.8
1048053 II NUNEHAM COURTENAY OXFORD LODGE 455508 198719.4
ENTRANCE GATES TO NUNEHAM 1048054 II COURTENEY ARBORETUM 455504.7 198732.9
NORTHERN SECTION OF FORECOURT WALL AND PART OF NORTHERN 1193424 II TERRACE AT NUNEHAM HOUSE 454092.3 198126.8
WELL HEAD APPROXIMATELY 5 METRES 1193479 II NORTH WEST OF NUNEHAM HOUSE 454093 198137.1
STATUE OF DOCTOR FELL APPROXIMATELY 130 METRES NORTH 1193508 II EAST OF CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS 454233 198370.4
COLUMN AND VASE APPROXIMATELY 20 METRES SOUTH WEST OF THE TEMPLE 1193524 II OF FLORA 454206 198194.4
URN APPROXIMATELY 40 METRES 1193557 II NORTH OF NUNEHAM HOUSE 454117 198150.4
WALLED GARDEN APPROXIMATELY 20 1193582 II METRES EAST OF THE RECTORY 454498.2 198797.9
1193586 II DAIRY COTTAGE 454233 198227.4 - 9 -
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm Headland Archaeology ECSO20
VENISON HOUSE APPROXIMATELY 60 METRES NORTH WEST OF THE KEEPERS 1286105 II COTTAGE 454529.8 197355.8
ROCKERY APPROXIMATELY 40 METRES 1286127 II SOUTH OF TEMPLE OF FLORA 454211 198180.9
CENTRAL SECTION OF FORECOURT 1368715 II WALL AT NUNEHAM HOUSE 454087.4 198104.5
TEMPLE OF FLORA APPROXIMATELY 160 METRES NORTH EAST OF NUNEHAM 1368716 II HOUSE 454213 198221.4
GROTTO AND ROCKERY APPROXIMATELY 40 METRES SOUTH OF 1368717 II TEMPLE OF FLORA 454192.9 198188.1
GATE TO WALLED GARDEN APPROXIMATELY 400 METRES EAST OF 1368718 II NUNEHAM HOUSE 454448 198284.4
ICEHOUSE APPROXIMATELY 140 METRES 1368719 II SOUTH WEST OF THE RECTORY 454341.8 198730.5
- 10 -
28645 27495 10200
11588 26165 1182401 26336 202477 1047672 1047634 1182451 ± 16299 MOC26924 16244 Key 28320 11589 28937 16951 7688 1284512 1427 28938 28643 1369217 11590 1182492 28641 28644 1369218 11588 1047633 1047997 21112 201477 5533 28642 19668 1047999
Legend 1431 1047998 1368730 Study area 2 27620 7704 1285931 1047995 Non-designated heritage asset 1048000 1233 1193940 Non-designated heritage asset 1428 1193978 1048032 16919 1549 Non-designated heritage asset 1368709 1285927 1285919 E Grade II* Listed Building 16928 1047996 1429 Grade II Listed Building 1193957 1193964 E Registered Park and Garden 200477 1368731 1430 6189 1048001 1193990 Site Boundary 2464 15309 1048061 1048002 1866 9063 16927 1193989 12507 3806 1048003 4420 1048062 16922 1368732 13003 1859 1193991 1193186 4239 1048063 1193178 Metres 1193224 1193192 0 500 9876 1915 1193225 1048064 3082 1368727 199477 16515 1193201 17281 1048068 1048065 1193582 14360 © Historic England 2020. Contains 5879 1193207 Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2018. The Historic 1048055 1048066 1048051 England GIS Data contained in this 978 material was obtained on 17th January 2020 1368710 1193220 1193363 The most publicly available up to date 1286272 Historic England GIS Data can be E 1048033 28404 1368714 E 1048067 1368726 obtained from E http://www.HistoricEngland.org.uk. 1048034 1286210 EE 1368711 1048054 1368723 Historic Environment Record information EE obtained from Oxford HER © Oxford City 1048039 1048060 1368722 E E 1048035 1048053 Council and Oxfordshire HER © Oxfordshire Council. 1193386 E 1366113 1368712 198477 E 1048040 E 1048056 EE E E 1048004 EE 1368724 1193390 E EE 1048036 1048057 E E 1048041 E E E 1368725 EE 1048037 1193395 E E 1368713 E Cowley Baldon Solar Farm 1048042 EE 13337 20983 E 1286200 1048043 E E 1048038 1366109 1193161 1193400 1048044 1048059 Figure 1: Heritage assets Contains OS data © Crown 1048058 Copyright and database right 2019 Contains OS data © Crown within 1.5km study area Contains OS data © CrownCopyright Copyright and and database database right right 2019 2019
451651 452651 453651 454651 455651 456651 457651 199122
1048051 1193582 E 1048054 ± 1368719 E Key E E 1048053 1048047
1286134 1193508
1048049 1368718 E 1193557 EE E 1193424 E 1193586
E Legend EEEEE EE 1368716 Grade 1286179 EE Grade I Listed Building
198122 E E E 1193479 1193524 E Grade II* Listed Building Grade II Listed Building 1286127 E 13687151048045 1368717 Scheduled Monument 1048046 Registered Park and Garden 1048048 1193569 1.5km study area E 1020965
1000122 1286105 Metres E E 0 500 1048050
© Historic England 2020. Contains
197122 Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2018. The Historic England GIS Data contained in this material was obtained on 17th January 2020 The most publicly available up to date Historic England GIS Data can be obtained from http://www.HistoricEngland.org.uk.
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm
Figure 2: Nuneham Courtenay Registered Park and Garden with associated Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2019 designated heritage assets 452599 453599 454599 455599 Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request
Appendix 4: Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment
Aardvark EM Limited April 2020
Page 37
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire
Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment
9th April 2020
inacoustic | bristol Whiteladies Business Centre, 12 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1PD 0117 325 3949 [email protected] inacoustic is a trading name of ABRW Associates Ltd, registered in the UK 09382861
Version 1 2 3
Preliminary Noise Impact Comments Updated Project Name Assessment
Date 9th April 2020 30th April 2020
Antony Best BSc (Hons) Antony Best BSc (Hons) Authored By MIOA MIOA
Checked By Neil Morgan MSc MIOA Neil Morgan MSc MIOA
Project 20-069 20-069 Number
This report has been prepared for the titled project or named part thereof and should not be used in whole or part and relied upon for any other project without the written authorisation of the author. No responsibility or liability is accepted by the author for the consequences of this document if it is used for a purpose other than that for which it was commissioned. Persons wishing to use or rely upon this report for other purposes must seek written authority to do so from the owner of this report and/or the author and agree to indemnify the author for any loss or damage resulting there from. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for this document to any other party than the person by whom it was commissioned.
The findings and opinions expressed are relevant to the dates of the site works and should not be relied upon to represent conditions at substantially later dates. If additional information becomes available which may affect our comments, conclusions or recommendations, the author reserves the right to review the information, reassess any new potential concerns and modify our opinions accordingly.
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 5
1.1. OVERVIEW 5
1.2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES 5 2. LEGISLATION AND POLICY FRAMEWORK 6
2.1. NATIONAL POLICY 6
2.2. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 9 3. SITE DESCRIPTION 12
3.1. SITE AND SURROUNDING AREA 12
3.2. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW 12 4. MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGY 15
4.1. GENERAL 15
4.2. MEASUREMENT DETAILS 15
4.3. SUMMARY RESULTS 17 5. OPERATIONAL NOISE ASSESSMENT 18
5.1. NOISE MODELLING 18
5.2. ASSESSMENT 21
5.3. RATING SOUND LEVEL 25 6. CONSTRUCTION NOISE ASSESSMENT 28
7. CONCLUSION 29
8. APPENDICES 30
8.1. APPENDIX A – DEFINITION OF TERMS 31
8.2. APPENDIX B – FULL MEASUREMENT RESULTS 34
FIGURES
FIGURE 1: SITE LOCATION PLAN 13
FIGURE 2: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT LAYOUT 14
FIGURE 3: MEASUREMENT POSITION 16
FIGURE 4: SPECIFIC SOUND LEVEL MAP 19
FIGURE 5: MP1 - MEASURED TIME HISTORY 34
FIGURE 6: MP1 - STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF LA90 BACKGROUND – DAYTIME 35
FIGURE 7: MP1 - STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF LA90 BACKGROUND – NIGHT-TIME 35
TABLES
TABLE 1: SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA FROM NPPG IN ENGLAND: NOISE 8
TABLE 2: EXAMPLE THRESHOLD OF POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT EFFECT AT DWELLINGS 11
TABLE 3: INVENTORY OF SOUND MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT 15
TABLE 4: MEASUREMENT POSITION DESCRIPTION 16
TABLE 5: SUMMARY OF NOISE MEASUREMENT RESULTS 17
TABLE 6: SOUND SOURCE DATA 18
TABLE 7: PREDICTED SPECIFIC SOUND LEVEL SUMMARY 20
TABLE 8: RATING PENALTY ASSESSMENT 22
TABLE 9: MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY FACTORS 23
TABLE 10: CALCULATION UNCERTAINTY FACTORS 24
TABLE 11: RATING SOUND LEVELS 25
TABLE 12: DAYTIME BS4142:2014+A1:2019 ASSESSMENT SUMMARY 26
TABLE 13: NIGHT TIME BS4142:2014+A1:2019 ASSESSMENT SUMMARY 27
TABLE 14: TYPICAL SOUND LEVELS FOUND IN THE ENVIRONMENT 32
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Overview
inacoustic has been commissioned to prepare a Preliminary Noise Assessment Report for a proposed Solar PV and Battery Storage Project on land at Nineveh Farm, Nuneham Courtenay, Oxford, OX44 9PA.
Accordingly, the following technical noise assessment has been produced to support a screening report to South Oxfordshire District Council. This report details the existing background sound climate at the nearest receptors, as well as the potential sound emissions associated with the development.
This noise assessment is necessarily technical in nature; therefore a glossary of terms is included in Appendix A to assist the reader.
1.2. Scope and Objectives
The scope of the report is summarised as follows:
• A sound monitoring survey was undertaken at discrete locations adjacent to the closest noise-sensitive receptors to the Site; • A preliminary 3-dimensional noise modelling exercise, in order to quantify the potential noise generation of the proposed site uses; and • An assessment of potential noise impacts with respect to the prevailing acoustic conditions at existing off-site receptors.
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2. LEGISLATION AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
2.1. National Policy
2.1.1. National Planning Policy Framework, 2019
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England. Planning policy requires that applications for planning permission must be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
The NPPF is also a material consideration in planning decisions. It sets out the Government’s requirements for the planning system and how these are expected to be addressed.
Under Section 15; Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment, in Paragraph 170, the following is stated:
“Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:
e) preventing both new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by, unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability”.
Paragraph 180 of the document goes on to state:
“Planning policies and decisions should also ensure that new development is appropriate for its location taking into account the likely effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, living conditions and the natural environment, as well as the potential sensitivity of the site or the wider area to impacts that could arise from the development. In doing so they should:
a) mitigate and reduce to a minimum potential adverse impacts resulting from noise from new development – and avoid noise giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and the quality of life; b) identify and protect tranquil areas which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason.”
As stated above, this document makes reference to avoiding noise generation from new developments that would adversely impact on health and quality of life. Paragraph 180 refers to the Noise Policy Statement for England, which is considered overleaf.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 6
2.1.2. Noise Policy Statement for England, 2010
The underlying principles and aims of existing noise policy documents, legislation and guidance are clarified in DEFRA: 2010: Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE)1. The NPSE sets out the “Long Term Vision” of Government noise policy as follows:
“Promote good health and good quality of life through the effective management of noise within the context of Government policy on sustainable development”.
The NPSE outlines three aims for the effective management and control of environmental, neighbour and neighbourhood noise:
• “Avoid significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life; • Mitigate and minimise adverse impacts on health and quality of life; and • Where possible, contribute to the improvement of health and quality of life”.
The guidance states that it is not possible to have a single objective noise-based measure that defines “Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level (SOAEL)” that is applicable to all sources of noise in all situations and that not having specific SOAEL values in the NPSE provides the necessary policy flexibility until further evidence and suitable guidance is available.
2.1.3. National Planning Practice Guidance in England: Noise, 2019
Further guidance in relation to the NPPF and the NPSE has been published in the National Planning Practice Guidance in England: Noise (NPPG Noise)2, which summarises the noise exposure hierarchy, based on the likely average response. The following three observed effect levels are identified below:
• Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level: This is the level of noise exposure above which significant adverse effects on health and quality of life occur; • Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level: This is the level of noise exposure above which adverse effects on health and quality of life can be detected; and • No Observed Adverse Effect Level: This is the level of noise exposure below which no effect at all on health or quality of life can be detected.
1 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), 2010. Noise Policy Statement for England. DEFRA. 2 Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), 2019. National Planning Practice Guidance for England: Noise. DCLG.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 7
Criteria related to each of these levels are reproduced in Table 1.
TABLE 1: SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA FROM NPPG IN ENGLAND: NOISE
Perception Examples of Outcomes Increasing Effect Level Action
No Observed Effect Level
No specific Not Noticeable No Effect No Observed Effect measures required
No Observed Adverse Effect Level
Noise can be heard, but does not cause any change in behaviour, attitude or other No specific Noticeable and physiological response. Can slightly affect No Observed Adverse measures Not Intrusive the acoustic character of the area but not Effect required such that there is a change in the quality of life.
Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level
Noise can be heard and causes small changes in behaviour, attitude or other physiological response, e.g. turning up volume of television; speaking more loudly; Mitigate where there is no alternative ventilation, Noticeable and Observed Adverse and reduce having to close windows for some of the Intrusive Effect to a time because of the noise. Potential for minimum some reported sleep disturbance. Affects the acoustic character of the area such that there is a small actual or perceived change in the quality of life.
Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level
The noise causes a material change in behaviour, attitude or other physiological response, e.g. avoiding certain activities during periods of intrusion; where there is no alternative ventilation, having to keep Present and windows closed most of the time because Significant Observed Avoid Disruptive of the noise. Potential for sleep Adverse Effect disturbance resulting in difficulty in getting to sleep, premature awakening and difficulty in getting back to sleep. Quality of life diminished due to change in acoustic character of the area.
Extensive and regular changes in behaviour, attitude or other physiological response and/or an inability to mitigate Present and effect of noise leading to psychological Unacceptable Adverse Prevent Very Disruptive stress, e.g. regular sleep Effect deprivation/awakening; loss of appetite, significant, medically definable harm, e.g. auditory and non-auditory.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 8
2.2. Assessment Criteria
2.2.1. BS4142:2014:+A1:2019
BS4142:2014+A1:2019 sets out a method to assess the likely effect of sound from factories, industrial premises or fixed installations and sources of an industrial nature in commercial premises, on people who might be inside or outside a dwelling or premises used for residential purposes in the vicinity.
The procedure contained in BS4142:2014+A1:2019 for assessing the effect of sound on residential
receptors is to compare the measured or predicted sound level from the source in question, the LAeq,T ‘specific sound level’, immediately outside the dwelling with the LA90,T background sound level.
Where the sound contains a tonality, impulsivity, intermittency and other sound characteristics, then a correction depending on the grade of the aforementioned characteristics of the sound is added to
the specific sound level to obtain the LAr,Tr ‘rating sound level’. A correction to include the consideration of a level of uncertainty in sound measurements, data and calculations can also be applied when necessary.
BS4142:2014+A1:2019 states: “The significance of sound of an industrial and/or commercial nature depends upon both the margin by which the rating level of the specific sound source exceeds the background sound level and the context in which the sound occurs”. An estimation of the impact of the specific sound can be obtained by the difference of the rating sound level and the background sound level and considering the following:
• “Typically, the greater this difference, the greater the magnitude of the impact.” • “A difference of around +10dB or more is likely to be an indication of a significant adverse impact, depending on the context.” • “A difference of around +5dB is likely to be an indication of an adverse impact, depending on the context.” • “The lower the rating level is relative to the measured background sound level, the less likely it is that the specific sound source will have an adverse impact or a significant adverse impact. Where the rating level does not exceed the background sound level, this is an indication of the specific sound source having a low impact, depending on the context.”
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 9
2.2.2. BS5228-1:2009+A1:2014
BS 5228:2009+A1:20143 sets out a method for measuring and predicting sound from construction works. The method considers, amongst other things, the sound emission level of the plant, the separation distance between the source and receiver, the effect of the intervening topography and structures.
This Standard sets out techniques to predict the likely sound effects from construction works, based on detailed information on the type and number of plant being used, their location and the length of time they are in operation. The sound prediction method is used to establish likely sound levels in
terms of the LAeq,T.
This standard also documents a database of information, including previously measured sound pressure level data for a variety of different construction plant undertaking various common activities.
Sound levels generated by the proposed site operations and experienced at local receptors will depend upon a number of variables, the most important of which are the:
• amount of sound generated by plant and equipment being used at the site, generally expressed as a sound power level; • periods of operation of the plant at the site, known as the ‘on-time’; • distance between the sound source and the receptor, known as the ’stand-off’; • attenuation due to ground absorption or barrier screening effects; and • reflection of sound due to the presence of hard vertical faces such as walls.
In order to determine the likely effect of sound during the construction of the Proposed Development, sound predictions have been carried out in accordance with the procedures presented in BS5228, taking full account of Best Practicable Means (BPM). The prediction method described in BS5228 has comprised taking the source sound level of each item of plant and correcting it for:
i. distance effects between source and receiver; ii. percentage operating time of the plant; and iii. barrier attenuation effects.
This assessment considers the criteria set out in Section E.3.2 of BS5228, which considers impact significance based upon the change in ambient sound associated with construction activities. It is stated that this can be considered as “an alternative and/or additional method to determine the significance of construction noise levels”.
Example Method 1 (The ABC Method) considers the existing ambient sound environment (the LAeq sound level environment) at the neighbouring sensitive receptors and proposes levels that are not to be exceeded.
Table E.1 of BS5228 sets out significance effect threshold values at receptors. The process for determining this requires the determination of the ambient sound level at the relevant receptor (rounded to the nearest 5dB), which is then compared to the total sound level, including the predicted construction noise level. If the combined sound level exceeds the appropriate category
3 British Standard Institution. BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014: Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 1: Noise.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 10
value, then the impact is deemed to be significant. The relevant statistics from Table E.1 are set out in Table 2:
TABLE 2: EXAMPLE THRESHOLD OF POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT EFFECT AT DWELLINGS
Assessment category and Threshold value, in decibels (dB) (LAeq,T) threshold value period Category AA) Category BB) Category CC)
Night-time (23:00-07:00) 45 50 55
Evenings and weekendsD) 55 60 65
Daytime (07:00-19:00) and 65 70 75 Saturdays (07:00-13:00)
NOTE 1 A potential significant effect is indicated if the LAeq,T noise level arising from the site exceeds the threshold level for the category appropriate to the ambient noise level.
NOTE 2 If the ambient noise level exceeds the Category C threshold values given in the table (i.e. the ambient noise level is higher than the above values), then a potential significant effect is
indicated if the total LAeq,T noise level for the period increases by more than 3 dB due to site noise.
NOTE 3 Applied to residential receptors only. A) Category A: threshold values to use when ambient noise levels (when rounded to the nearest 5 dB) are less than these values. B) Category B: threshold values to use when ambient noise levels (when rounded to the nearest 5 dB) are the same as category A values. C) Category C: threshold values to use when ambient noise levels (when rounded to the nearest 5 dB) are higher than category A values. D) 19:00-23:00 weekdays, 13:00-23:00 Saturdays and 07:00-23:00 Sundays.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 11
3. SITE DESCRIPTION
3.1. Site and Surrounding Area
The site is situated to the south of the City of Oxford, 8.2km to city center and to the north of the village of Marsh Baldon, on land at Nineveh Farm, Nuneham Courtenay, Oxford, OX44 9PA. The ambient sound environment across the area was influenced by distant road traffic, typical rural sounds associated with farming, and wind induced vegetation sound.
The location of the site can be seen in Figure 1, overleaf.
3.2. Proposed Development Overview
There are 16 inverter/transformer stations distributed throughout the solar farm development, with tracker motors located on the panel arrays, intended to track the movement of the sun. All equipment is likely to run for approximately 1-hour after sunset. The earliest the equipment will begin working is 04:30. This assumption is a worst-case scenario, as the times of operation are seasonally dependent.
Furthermore, there is a battery storage compound located in the site, with 10 containers for batteries and 10 containers for the PCS; it has been assumed that each container will have 4 externally mounted HVAC units, for thermoregulation.
An overview of the preliminary site layout can be seen in Figure 2, overleaf.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 12
FIGURE 1: SITE LOCATION PLAN
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 13
FIGURE 2: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT LAYOUT
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 14
4. MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGY
4.1. General
The prevailing background noise conditions in the area have been determined by an environmental noise survey conducted during both daytime and night-time periods between Tuesday 24th March 2020 to Friday 27th March 2020.
The survey was undertaken during the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning that road traffic movements were suppressed, giving the dataset used to derive the background sound level statistical robustness.
4.2. Measurement Details
All noise measurements were undertaken by a consultant certified as competent in environmental noise monitoring, and, in accordance with the principles of BS 74454.
All acoustic measurement equipment used during the noise survey conformed to Type 1 specification of British Standard 616725. A full inventory of this equipment is shown in Table 3 below.
TABLE 3: INVENTORY OF SOUND MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
Position Make, Model & Description Serial Number
Rion NL-52 Sound Level Meter 00965097
Rion NH-25 Preamplifier 65324 MP1 Rion UC-59 Microphone 10223
Cirrus CR:515 Acoustic Calibrator 76798
Measurement equipment used during the survey was field calibrated at the start and end of the measurement period. A calibration laboratory has calibrated the field calibrator used within the twelve months preceding the measurements.
The weather conditions during the survey were predominantly conducive to noise measurement; it being dry, with low wind speeds, as measured on-site with a rain-tipping gauge and anemometer. Where periods of inclement weather did occur, they have been removed from the dataset used to derive the summary results.
4 British Standard 7445: 2003: Description and measurement of environmental noise. BSI. 5 British Standard 61672: 2013: Electroacoustics. Sound level meters. Part 1 Specifications. BSI.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 15
The microphone was fitted with a protective windshield for the measurement, which is described in Table 4, with an aerial photograph indicating their location shown in Figure 3.
TABLE 4: MEASUREMENT POSITION DESCRIPTION
Measurement Description Position
An unattended daytime and night-time measurement of sound under free-field conditions, at a height of 1.5 metres above local ground level on land associated with the site. The sound environment was maintained by distant road traffic, typical rural sounds associated with farming, and wind induced vegetation sound. MP1 is representative of all residential receptors, and was selected on the MP1 basis that it was setback from main roads and commercial sources, that are the biggest contributors to the background noise climate in the area. The survey was undertaken during the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning that road traffic movements were suppressed, giving the dataset used to derive the background sound level statistical robustness.
FIGURE 3: MEASUREMENT POSITION
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 16
4.3. Summary Results
The summarised results of the environmental noise measurements are presented in Table 5, with full time histories and statistical analyses presented under Appendix B.
TABLE 5: SUMMARY OF NOISE MEASUREMENT RESULTS
Measurement Noise Level, dB Period Position LAFmax LAeq,T LA10 LA90
Daytime 65 45 48 26 MP1 Night-Time 62 46 51 23
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 17
5. OPERATIONAL NOISE ASSESSMENT
5.1. Noise Modelling
5.1.1. Source Data
The A-weighted sound power levels associated with the development have been provided by the Applicant and can be seen below in Table 6.
TABLE 6: SOUND SOURCE DATA
Sound Pressure Level, Sound Pressure Level Plant Quantity LpA (dB) Distance (m)
PV Inverters 16 62 10
PV Transformers 16 28 10
PC Tracker Motors ~2000 29 10
HVAC for Battery Storage 80 41 10
5.1.2. Calculation Process
Calculations were carried out using iNoise 2020, which undertakes its calculations in accordance with guidance given in ISO9613-1:1993 and ISO9613-2:1996.
5.1.3. Sound Data Assumptions
Given that the land between Proposed Development and nearest receptors is largely soft, the ground factor has been set to 0.8, within the calculation software.
The assessment considers open propagation from the site, with no perimeter acoustic barrier.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 18
5.1.4. Specific Sound Level Map
The sound map showing the specific sound level emissions from the Proposed Development can be seen in Figure 4.
FIGURE 4: SPECIFIC SOUND LEVEL MAP
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 19
5.1.5. Specific Sound Level Summary
A summary of the predicted specific sound levels at the NSRs, based on the sound map shown in Figure 4 can be seen below in Table 7.
TABLE 7: PREDICTED SPECIFIC SOUND LEVEL SUMMARY
NSR Specific Sound Level (dB)
1 19
2 19
3 18
4 19
5 15
6 14
7 17
8 15
9 15
10 17
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 20
5.2. Assessment
5.2.1. Rating Penalty Principle
Section 9 of BS4142:2014+A1:2019 describes how the rating sound level should be derived from the specific sound level, by determining a rating penalty. BS4142:2014+A1:2019 states:
“Certain acoustic features can increase the significance of impact over that expected from a basic comparison between the specific sound level and the background sound level. Where such features are present at the assessment location, add a character correction to the specific sound level to obtain the rating level. This can be approached in three ways:
a) subjective method; b) objective method for tonality; c) reference method.”
Given that the Proposed Development is not operational, the subjective method has been adopted to derive the rating sound level from the specific sound level. This is discussed in Section 9.2 of BS4142:2014+A1:2019, which states:
“Where appropriate, establish a rating penalty for sound based on a subjective assessment of its characteristics. This would also be appropriate where a new source cannot be measured because it is only proposed at that time, but the characteristics of similar sources can subjectively be assessed.
Correct the specific sound level if a tone, impulse or other characteristics occurs, or is expected to be present, for new or modified sound sources.”
BS4142:2014+A1:2019 defines four characteristics that should be considered when deriving a rating penalty, namely; tonality; impulsivity; intermittency; and other sound characteristics, which are defined as:
Tonality
A rating penalty of +2 dB is applicable for a tone which is “just perceptible”, +4 dB where a tone is “clearly perceptible”, and +6 dB where a tone is “highly perceptible”.
Impulsivity
A rating penalty of +3 dB is applicable for impulsivity which is “just perceptible”, +6 dB where it is “clearly perceptible”, and +9 dB where it is “highly perceptible”.
Other Sound Characteristics
BS4142:2014+A1:2019 states that where “the specific sound features characteristics that are neither tonal nor impulsive, though otherwise are readily distance against the residual acoustic environment, a penalty of +3 dB can be applied.”
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 21
Intermittency
BS4142:2014+A1:2019 states that when the “specific sound has identifiable on/off conditions, the specific sound level ought to be representative of the time period of length equal to the reference time interval which contains the greatest total amount of on time … if the intermittency is readily distinctive against the residual acoustic environment, a penalty of +3 dB can be applied.”
5.2.2. Rating Penalty Assessment
Considering the content of Section 5.2.1, an assessment of the various sound sources associated with the Proposed Development, in terms of whether any rating penalties are applicable, and has been detailed in Table 8 below.
TABLE 8: RATING PENALTY ASSESSMENT
Other Sound Source Tonality Impulsivity Intermittency Discussion Characteristics
The PV inverters and transformers will operate as demand requires, however, once operating, do not cycle on PV Inverters and off. and +2 dB 0 dB 0 dB 0 dB Tonality may be “just Transformers perceptible”, due to a low- frequency bias at source, but the residual acoustic environment will substantially mask any significant tones.
The PV tracker motors will operate as demand requires, however, once operating, do not cycle on and off. PC Tracker +2 dB 0 dB 0 dB 0 dB Motors Tonality may be “just perceptible”, but the residual acoustic environment will substantially mask any significant tones.
The HVAC for battery storage will operate continuously.
HVAC for Tonality may be “just Battery +2 dB 0 dB 0 dB 0 dB perceptible”, due to a low- Storage frequency bias at source, but the residual acoustic environment will substantially mask any significant tones.
In summary, a rating penalty of +2 dB has been included in the assessment.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 22
5.2.3. Uncertainty in Calculations
BS4142:2014+A1:2019 requires that the level of uncertainty in the measured data and associated calculations is considered in the assessment. The Standard recommends that steps should be taken to reduce the level of uncertainty.
Measurement Uncertainty
BS4142:2014+A1:2019 states that measurement uncertainty depends on a number of factors, including the following, which are applicable to the Proposed Development:
“ … b) the complexity and level of variability of the residual acoustic environment; … d) the location(s) selected for taking the measurements; … g) the measurement time intervals; h) the range of times when the measurements have been taken; i) the range of suitable weather conditions during which measurements have been taken; ... k) the level of rounding of each measurement recorded; and l) the instrumentation used.”
Each of the measurement uncertainty factors outlined above have been considered and discussed in Table 9 below.
TABLE 9: MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY FACTORS
Measurement Level of Uncertainty Discussion Uncertainty Factor Reference
Residual acoustic environment is relatively constant, hence no correction b) 0 dB for a complex residual acoustic environment.
Measuring at locations representative of the closest affected receptors to d) 0 dB the site has enabled the determination of robust background sound levels.
Measurement time intervals were set in accordance with g) 0 dB BS4142:2014+A1:2019, hence no further correction needs to be made.
Measurements were undertaken over three consecutive daytime and h) 0 dB night-time periods, when road traffic movements were suppressed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Where periods of wind or precipitation were measured, they were i) 0 dB removed from the dataset.
Measured values were rounded to 0.1 dB, therefore rounding would not k) 0 dB have had a significant impact on the overall typical background sound levels.
The acoustic measurement equipment accorded with Type 1 specification l) 0 dB of British Standard 61672.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 23
In summary, a correction of 0 dB has been included in the assessment, to account for measurement uncertainty.
Calculation Uncertainty
BS4142:2014+A1:2019 states that calculation uncertainty depends on a number of factors, including the following, which are applicable to the Proposed Development:
“ … b) uncertainty in the operation or sound emission characteristics of the specific sound source and any assumed sound power levels; c) uncertainty in the calculation method; d) simplifying the real situation to “fit” the model (user influence on modelling); and e) error in the calculation process.”
Each of the calculation uncertainty factors outlined above have been considered and discussed in Table 10 below.
TABLE 10: CALCULATION UNCERTAINTY FACTORS
Calculation Level of Uncertainty Discussion Uncertainty Factor Reference
b) 0 dB Sound power levels for all plant are based on manufacturer data.
Calculations were undertaken in accordance with ISO 9613-2, which is c) 0 dB considered a “validated method” by BS4142:2014+A1:2019.
The real situation has not been simplified for the purposes of this d) 0 dB assessment.
ISO 9613-2 indicates that there is a ±3 dB accuracy to the prediction e) +1 dB method, dependent upon input variables and propagation complexities.
In summary, a +1 dB has been included in the assessment, for calculation uncertainty.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 24
5.3. Rating Sound Level
Incorporating the rating penalties detailed in Section 5.2.2 with the predicted specific sound levels, as detailed in Table 7, the rating sound levels have been derived and have been detailed in Table 11 below.
TABLE 11: RATING SOUND LEVELS
NSR Specific Sound Level (dB) Rating Sound Level (dB)
1 19 21
2 19 21
3 18 20
4 19 21
5 15 17
6 14 16
7 17 17
8 15 17
9 15 17
10 17 19
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 25
5.3.1. BS4142:2014+A1:2019 Assessment
The rating sound level, as calculated from the predicted specific sound level, has been assessed in accordance with BS4142:2014+A1:2019, at all NSRs.
The resultant assessment summary, during the daytime period, can be seen in Table 12 below.
TABLE 12: DAYTIME BS4142:2014+A1:2019 ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
Rating Sound Uncertainty Daytime Background Excess of Rating over Daytime NSR Level (dB) (dB) Sound Level (dB) Background Sound Level (dB)
1 21 +1 26 -4
2 21 +1 26 -4
3 20 +1 26 -5
4 21 +1 26 -4
5 17 +1 26 -7
6 16 +1 26 -9
7 17 +1 26 -8
8 17 +1 26 -8
9 17 +1 26 -8
10 19 +1 26 -6
It can be seen that the Proposed Development is likely to have a ‘low impact’ at the receptors during the daytime period.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 26
The resultant assessment summary, during the night time period, can be seen in Table 13 below.
TABLE 13: NIGHT TIME BS4142:2014+A1:2019 ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
Rating Sound Uncertainty Night Time Background Excess of Rating over Night Time NSR Level (dB) (dB) Sound Level (dB) Background Sound Level (dB)
1 21 +1 23 -1
2 21 +1 23 -1
3 20 +1 23 -2
4 21 +1 23 -1
5 17 +1 23 -4
6 16 +1 23 -6
7 17 +1 23 -5
8 17 +1 23 -5
9 17 +1 23 -5
10 19 +1 23 -3
It can be seen that the Proposed Development is likely to have a ‘low impact’ at the receptors during the night-time period.
5.3.2. Discussion and Operational Recommendations
The results set out in Section 5.3.1 identifies that the operation of the Proposed Development can occur without affecting the amenity of the closest residential receptors to the site, equating to a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL).
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 27
6. CONSTRUCTION NOISE ASSESSMENT
Construction noise levels will be predicted at the closest identified noise-sensitive receptors based on the likely site preparation and construction methodologies and programme, in accordance with BS 5228. Where appropriate, the assessment of construction noise will also consider off-site activities such as construction traffic and deliveries, where the necessary information is available, following guidance contained within CRTN and DMRB.
The construction phase is expected to take around 26 weeks, and it is proposed that works will be undertaken between 0800 – 1800hrs Monday to Fridays, and 0800 – 1330hrs on Saturdays.
Predicted construction noise levels will be assessed against relevant BS 5228 criteria, and best practice methods for managing the impact of construction noise will be discussed.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 28
7. CONCLUSION
inacoustic has been commissioned to prepare a Preliminary Noise Assessment Report for a proposed Solar PV and Battery Storage Project on land at Nineveh Farm, Nuneham Courtenay, Oxford, OX44 9PA.
Accordingly, the following technical noise assessment has been produced to support a screening report to South Oxfordshire District Council. This report details the existing background sound climate at the nearest receptors, as well as the potential sound emissions associated with the development.
The assessment considers the potential noise generation from the plant associated with the Proposed Development, with respect to existing sound levels in the area.
The assessment methodology contained in British Standard 4142:2014+A1:2019 Method for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound has been used in conjunction with supplementary acoustic guidance.
The assessment identifies that the development will give rise to rating noise levels that are typically below the measured day and night time background sound levels in the area, at the closest assessed residential receptors, thus giving rise to a Low Impact.
Consequently, the assessment demonstrates that the development will give rise to noise impacts that would be categorised as NOAEL within the NPPG England guidance.
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 29
8. APPENDICES
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 30
8.1. Appendix A – Definition of Terms
Sound, or sound pressure, is a fluctuation in air pressure over the static Sound Pressure ambient pressure.
Sound Pressure The sound level is the sound pressure relative to a standard reference Level (Sound Level) pressure of 20µPa (20x10-6 Pascals) on a decibel scale.
A scale for comparing the ratios of two quantities, including sound pressure and sound power. The difference in level between two sounds s1 Decibel (dB) and s2 is given by 20 log10 ( s1 / s2 ). The decibel can also be used to measure absolute quantities by specifying a reference value that fixes one point on the scale. For sound pressure, the reference value is 20µPa.
The unit of sound level, weighted according to the A-scale, which takes A-weighting, dB(A) into account the increased sensitivity of the human ear at some frequencies.
Noise levels usually fluctuate over time, so it is often necessary to consider an average or statistical noise level. This can be done in several Noise Level Indices ways, so a number of different noise indices have been defined, according to how the averaging or statistics are carried out.
A noise level index called the equivalent continuous noise level over the time period T. This is the level of a notional steady sound that would L eq,T contain the same amount of sound energy as the actual, possibly fluctuating, sound that was recorded.
A noise level index defined as the maximum noise level during the period
T. Lmax is sometimes used for the assessment of occasional loud noises, Lmax,T which may have little effect on the overall Leq noise level but will still affect the noise environment. Unless described otherwise, it is measured using the 'fast' sound level meter response.
A noise level index. The noise level exceeded for 90% of the time over the
L90,T period T. L90 can be considered to be the "average minimum" noise level and is often used to describe the background noise.
A noise level index. The noise level exceeded for 10% of the time over the
L10,T period T. L10 can be considered to be the "average maximum" noise level. Generally used to describe road traffic noise.
Far from the presence of sound reflecting objects (except the ground), Free-Field usually taken to mean at least 3.5m
At a distance of 1m in front of a large sound reflecting object such as a Facade building façade.
Fast Time An averaging time used in sound level meters. Defined in BS 5969. Weighting
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In order to assist the understanding of acoustic terminology and the relative change in noise, the following background information is provided.
The human ear can detect a very wide range of pressure fluctuations, which are perceived as sound. In order to express these fluctuations in a manageable way, a logarithmic scale called the decibel, or dB scale is used. The decibel scale typically ranges from 0 dB (the threshold of hearing) to over 120 dB. An indication of the range of sound levels commonly found in the environment is given in the following table.
TABLE 14: TYPICAL SOUND LEVELS FOUND IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Sound Level Location
0dB(A) Threshold of hearing
20 to 30dB(A) Quiet bedroom at night
30 to 40dB(A) Living room during the day
40 to 50dB(A) Typical office
50 to 60dB(A) Inside a car
60 to 70dB(A) Typical high street
70 to 90dB(A) Inside factory
100 to 110dB(A) Burglar alarm at 1m away
110 to 130dB(A) Jet aircraft on take off
140dB(A) Threshold of Pain
The ear is less sensitive to some frequencies than to others. The A-weighting scale is used to approximate the frequency response of the ear. Levels weighted using this scale are commonly identified by the notation dB(A).
In accordance with logarithmic addition, combining two sources with equal noise levels would result in an increase of 3 dB(A) in the noise level from a single source.
A change of 3 dB(A) is generally regarded as the smallest change in broadband continuous noise which the human ear can detect (although in certain controlled circumstances a change of 1 dB(A) is just perceptible). Therefore, a 2 dB(A) increase would not be normally be perceptible. A 10 dB(A) increase in noise represents a subjective doubling of loudness.
A noise impact on a community is deemed to occur when a new noise is introduced that is out of character with the area, or when a significant increase above the pre-existing ambient noise level occurs.
For levels of noise that vary with time, it is necessary to employ a statistical index that allows for this variation. These statistical indices are expressed as the sound level that is exceeded for a percentage
of the time period of interest. In the UK, traffic noise is measured as the LA10, the noise level exceeded for 10% of the measurement period. The LA90 is the level exceeded for 90% of the time and has been adopted to represent the background noise level in the absence of discrete events. An alternative
way of assessing the time varying noise levels is to use the equivalent continuous sound level, LAeq.
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This is a notional steady level that would, over a given period of time, deliver the same sound energy as the actual fluctuating sound.
To put these quantities into context, where a receiver is predominantly affected by continuous flows of road traffic, a doubling or halving of the flows would result in a just perceptible change of 3 dB, while an increase of more than 25%, or a decrease of more than 20%, in traffic flows represent changes of 1 dB in traffic noise levels (assuming no alteration in the mix of traffic or flow speeds).
Note that the time constant and the period of the noise measurement should be specified. For example, BS 4142 specifies background noise measurement periods of 1 hour during the day and 15
minutes during the night. The noise levels are commonly symbolised as LA90,1hour dB and LA90,15mins dB. The noise measurement should be recorded using a ‘FAST’ time response equivalent to 0.125 ms.
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8.2. Appendix B – Full Measurement Results
FIGURE 5: MP1 - MEASURED TIME HISTORY
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 34
FIGURE 6: MP1 - STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF LA90 BACKGROUND – DAYTIME
FIGURE 7: MP1 - STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF LA90 BACKGROUND – NIGHT-TIME
20-069/Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire/Preliminary Noise Impact Assessment 35
inacoustic | bristol Whiteladies Business Centre, 12 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1PD 0117 325 3949 [email protected] inacoustic is a trading name of ABRW Associates Ltd, registered in the UK 09382861
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request
Appendix 5: Preliminary Glint and Glare Assessment Report
Aardvark EM Limited April 2020
Page 38
Environmental Impact Assessment – Screening Assessment (Glint and Glare)
Cowley Baldon Green Limited
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage
April, 2020
ADMINISTRATION PAGE
Job Reference: 9920A
Date: April, 2020
Author: Danny Scrivener
Telephone: 01787 319001
Email: [email protected]
Reviewer: Kai Frolic
Second Reviewer: Michael Sutton
Date: April, 2020
Telephone: 01787 319001
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Issue Date Detail of Changes
1 2 April, 2020 Initial issue
2 6 April, 2020 Minor amendments
3 30 April, 2020 Update to the project name
Confidential: The contents of this document may not be disclosed to others without permission.
Copyright © 2020 Pager Power Limited
Stour Valley Business Centre, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 7GB
T: +44 (0)1787 319001 E: [email protected] W: www.pagerpower.com
EIA Screening Assessment – Glint and Glare Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage 2
SCREENING ASSESSMENT
Baseline Context The baseline context presented below is respect to possible glint and glare effects only.
The Proposed Development is rurally located and is bound by local roads and a regional road (A4074), as well as a number of dwellings with potential views of the Site. There are three aerodromes in the surrounding environment, these include: • Chalgrove Airfield 7km east southeast: now owned by Homes England, there are plans for redevelopment of the Site with 3000 homes; • RAF Abingdon 7.3km west: primarily used as a diversion airfield for RAF Benson and therefore there is limited flying from this aerodrome; • RAF Benson 10.5km south east: support helicopter main operating base, home to two front-line helicopter squadrons, and one Operational Conversion Unit, also home to the civilian National Police Air Service and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Guidance – Glint and Glare Glint and glare guidelines exist in the UK (produced by the CAA1) and in the USA (produced by the FAA2) with respect to solar developments and aviation activity, however a specific methodology for determining the impact upon road safety or residential amenity has not been produced to date. Therefore, Pager Power reviewed existing guidelines and the available studies in the process of defining its own glint and glare assessment guidance and methodology. This methodology defines the process for determining the impact upon road safety and residential amenity. Potential Effects Potential effects at the identified receptors include: • Glint – a momentary flash of bright light (typically experienced by moving receptors); • Glare – a continuous source of bright light (typically experienced by static receptors).
The impact significance will be determined considering the visibility of the solar reflection including level of screening (existing or proposed), the sensitivity of the receptor, location of origin of the solar glare, time and duration of any reflection, location of the Sun at the time a solar reflection is possible, and solar reflection intensity (aviation only). Outline Scope of Assessment A ‘Solar Photovoltaic Glint and Glare Assessment’ will accompany the planning application and will include the modelling of a solar panel tracking system. The assessment will include the detailed modelling of the solar panels relative to surrounding roads, including the A4074, and dwellings immediately surrounding the Site and with potential views of the Proposed Development.
1 Civil Aviation Authority. 2 Federal Aviation Administration.
EIA Screening Assessment – Glint and Glare Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage 3
Considering the aviation stakeholder (Ministry of Defence – MOD), expected aerodrome use and geographic location relative to the Proposed Development, impacts upon aviation receptors will not be assessed in detail, however the MOD will be consulted to confirm its position. Assessment Methodology There is no formal guidance with regard to the maximum distance at which glint and glare should be assessed. From a technical perspective, there is no maximum distance for potential reflections. However, the significance of a solar reflection decreases with distance. This is because the proportion of an observer’s field of vision that is taken up by the reflecting area diminishes as the separation distance increases. In most instances. terrain and shielding by vegetation are also more likely to obstruct an observer’s view at greater distances.
The above parameters and extensive experience over a significant number of glint and glare assessments undertaken shows that a 1km buffer is considered appropriate for glint and glare effects on local dwellings and road users. In most cases the assessed distance is much less than this. Potential receptors within 1km distance are identified based on mapping and aerial photography of the region. The initial judgement is made based on high-level consideration of aerial photography and mapping i.e. receptors are excluded if it is clear from the outset that no visibility would be possible. A more detailed assessment is made if the modelling reveals a reflection would be geometrically possible.
Pager Power’s glint and glare assessment methodology has been derived from the information provided to Pager Power through consultation with stakeholders, assessment experience and by reviewing the available guidance and studies. The methodology for ground level glint and glare assessments is as follows: • Identify the key receptors in the area surrounding the Proposed Development; • Consider direct solar reflections from the Proposed Development towards the identified receptors by undertaking geometric calculations; • Consider the visibility of the panels from the receptor’s location. If the panels are not visible from the receptor then no reflection can occur; • Based on the results of the geometric calculations, determine whether a reflection can occur, and if so, at what time it will occur; • Consider both the solar reflection from the Proposed Development and the location of the direct sunlight with respect to the receptor’s position; • Consider the solar reflection with respect to the published studies and guidance; • Determine whether a significant detrimental impact is expected in line Pager Power’s standard process and recommended methodology. Overall Scoping Opinion A desktop review of the available imagery and site plans has been completed. Considering the Proposed Development’s rural location, the sensitivity and relative geographic location of the surrounding receptors requiring assessment and expected viability for mitigation in the form of screening, the potential impacts are not considered to be “significant” in the context of the EIA Regulations.
EIA Screening Assessment – Glint and Glare Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage 4
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request
Appendix 6: Semi-detailed Agricultural Land Classification Report
Aardvark EM Limited April 2020
Page 39
Agricultural Land Classification:
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire
Prepared for: Aardvark EM Limited
On Behalf Of: Enso Energy Limited
Prepared by: R W Askew BSC(Hons) MSc F.I Soil Sci CSci Askew Land and Soil Ltd
Date: 30th April 2020
Project Number: C698
Enso Energy Limited Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxon Agricultural Land Classification
Contract/Proposal No: C698
Issue: 2
Author: Rob Askew
Date: 30th April 2020
Our interpretation of the site characteristics is based on available data made during our desktop study and soil survey. This desktop study and soil survey has assessed the characteristics of the site in relation to the assessment of its Agricultural Land Classification. It should not be relied on for alternative end-uses or for other schemes. This report has been prepared solely for the benefit of Enso Energy Limited.
Version Control Record Issue Description of Status Date Initials A First draft 02/04/2020 RWA 1 First issue 08/04/2020 RWA 2 Second issue incorporating change to site name 30/04/2020 RWA
C698 Issue: 2 i Askew Land & Soil Ltd
Enso Energy Limited Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxon Agricultural Land Classification
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Competency ...... 1 1.3 Methodology ...... 1 1.4 Structure of the Remainder of this Report ...... 2 2 PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK ...... 3 2.1 Background ...... 3 2.2 National Planning Policy Statement (NPPF) February 2019 ...... 3 2.3 Development Plan Policy ...... 3 2.4 Best Practice Guidance ...... 4 3 SEMI-DETAILED AGRICULTURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION ...... 5 3.1 Background ...... 5 3.2 Climate ...... 5 3.3 Site ...... 6 3.4 Soil ...... 7 3.5 Interactive Limitations ...... 8 3.6 Semi-Detailed ALC Grading at the Site ...... 9 4 ALC AT THE SITE IN A WIDER GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT ...... 11 4.1 Introduction ...... 11 4.2 Pre-1988 ALC Information ...... 11 4.3 Post-1988 ALC Information ...... 11 5 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS...... 12
FIGURES Figure 1: Site Location Figure 2: Semi-detailed Agricultural Land Classification
APPENDICES Appendix 1: Location Plan Showing Field Numbers Appendix 2: Soil Profile Log Appendix 3: Soil Pit Descriptions Appendix 4: Topsoil Particle Size Analysis
C698 Issue: 2 ii Askew Land & Soil Ltd
Enso Energy Limited Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxon Agricultural Land Classification
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.1.1 This report was commissioned by Aardvark EM Limited on behalf of Enso Energy Limited to determine the quality of agricultural land at a site proposed for a 49.9 Megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) array with battery storage and associated infrastructure (‘the generating station’) at Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire (‘the Site’). The location and extent of the Site is shown on Figure 1. The Site is divided into six fields, identified as Field 1 to Field 6 on a plan given as Appendix 1. This assessment is made in accordance with the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system for England and Wales (see ‘Methodology’ below).
1.2 Competency
1.2.1 The work has been carried out by a Chartered Scientist (CSci), who is a Fellow (F.I. Soil Sci) of the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS). The soil surveyor meets the requirements of the BSSS Professional Competency Scheme for ALC (see IPSS PCSS Document 2 ‘Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales’1. The BSSS Professional Competency Scheme is endorsed, amongst others, by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Natural England, the Science Council, and the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA).
1.3 Methodology
1.3.1 This assessment is based upon the findings of a study of published information on climate, geology and soil in combination with a soil investigation carried out in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF)2 ‘Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales: Revised Guidelines and Criteria for Grading the Quality of Agricultural Land’, October, 1988 (henceforth referred to as the ‘the ALC Guidelines’).
1.3.2 The ALC system provides a framework for classifying land according to the extent to which its physical or chemical characteristics impose long-term limitations on agricultural use. The ALC system divides agricultural land into five grades (Grade 1 ‘Excellent’ to Grade 5 ‘Very Poor’), with Grade 3 subdivided into Subgrade 3a ‘Good’ and Subgrade 3b ‘Moderate’. Agricultural land classified as Grade 1, 2 and Subgrade 3a falls in the ‘best and most versatile’ category in Paragraph 170 and 171 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) revised in February 2019. Further details of the ALC system and national planning policy implications are set out by Natural England in Technical Information Note 0493.
1 British Society of Soil Science. Professional Competency Scheme Document 2 ‘Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales’. Available online @ https://www.soils.org.uk/sites/default/files/events/flyers/ipss-competency-doc2.pdf Last viewed 30th April 2020 2 The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) was incorporated within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in June 2001 3 Natural England (December, 2012). ‘Agricultural Land Classification: protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land (TIN049)’. Available online @ http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/35012 Last viewed 30th April 2020
C698 Issue: 2 1 Askew Land & Soil Ltd
Enso Energy Limited Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxon Agricultural Land Classification
1.3.3 A semi-detailed ALC survey of the approximately 123 ha Site was carried out on the 19th and 20th March 2020. The semi-detailed survey involved examination of the soil’s physical properties at 30 locations located on a 200m by 200m grid, i.e. at a density of approximately 1 auger bore per 4 ha of land surveyed. The soil profile was examined at each sample location to a maximum depth of approximately 1.2 m by hand with the use of a 5 cm diameter Dutch (Edleman) soil auger. Two soil pits were hand dug with a spade to examine certain soil physical properties, such as soil structure and stone content, more closely. The locations of the auger bores and soil pits are shown on Figure 1. A log of the auger bores examined on Site is given as Appendix 2. A description of the two pits is given as Appendix 3.
1.3.4 The sample locations were located using a hand-held Garmin E-Trec Geographic Information System (GIS) to enable the sample locations to be relocated for verification, if necessary. Where the auger locations fell close to a hedgerow, tree or gateway, the auger location was moved to at least 3m away, i.e. to avoid areas affected by tree roots or which maybe compacted.
1.3.5 The soil profile was examined at each sample location to a maximum depth of approximately 1.2 m by hand with the use of a 5 cm diameter Dutch (Edleman) soil auger. A soil pit was excavated at auger location 1 with a spade in order to examine physical soil profile characteristics, including subsoil structure, of the main representative soil types determined at the Site.
1.3.6 The soil profile at each sample location was described using the ‘Soil Survey Field Handbook: Describing and Sampling Soil Profiles’ (Ed. J.M. Hodgson, Cranfield University, 1997). Each soil profile was ascribed an Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) grade following the MAFF ALC Guidelines.
1.3.7 A sample of topsoil was collected at auger bore locations 1 and 2. Both samples of topsoil were sent to an accredited laboratory for particle size analysis, i.e. the proportions of sand, silt and clay. This is to determine the definitive texture class of the topsoil, especially to distinguish between medium clay loams (i.e. <27% clay), heavy clay loams (27% to 35% clay) and clays (>35% clay). The results of the laboratory analysis are given as a Certificate of Analysis as Appendix 4.
1.4 Structure of the Remainder of this Report
1.4.1 The remainder of this report is structured as follows:
• Section 2 – Planning Policy Framework;
• Section 3 – Semi-detailed Agricultural Land Classification;
• Section 4 – ALC at the Site in a Wider Geographical Context; and
• Section 5 – Summary and Conclusions.
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2 PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK
2.1 Background
2.1.1 This section of the report sets out the national and local planning framework in which to assess the opportunities and constraints to development at the Site in agricultural land quality terms.
2.2 National Planning Policy Statement (NPPF) February 2019
2.2.1 National planning policy guidance on development involving agricultural land is set out in National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which was revised on the 19th February 2019. The NPPF aims to provide a simplified planning framework which sets out the Government’s economic, environmental and social planning policies for England. The NPPF includes policy guidance on ‘Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment’ (Section 15). Paragraph 170 (a and b) (page 49) are of relevance to this assessment of agricultural land quality and soil and state that: ‘170…Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:
a) protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan);
b) recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland;…’ National planning other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland;…’
2.2.2 Paragraph 171 of the NPPF (2019) goes on to describe that:
‘171. Plan should: distinguish between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites; allocate land with the least environmental or amenity value, where consistent with other policies in this Framework53 …’
2.2.3 Footnote number 53 states that: ’53 Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality.’
2.3 Development Plan Policy
2.3.1 The Oxford Local Plan (2016-2036) acknowledges soil as a resource in the section of ‘Resource (Previously developed land, soil, energy, waste)’, see below:
‘The NPPF promotes the protection and enhancement of valued soils and geological conservation interests, as well as offering policy protection to soils from unacceptable levels of pollution or land
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instability. The NPPF promotes the mitigation and remediation of despoiled, degraded, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate.
In considering soil types specifically, the NPPF advocates a system of ensuring the best agricultural land is preserved from development and poorer quality agricultural land is used where appropriate.
The NPPF states that new development should be appropriate to its location. This is in order to prevent unacceptable risks to development from pollution and land stability. The NPPF also sets out that contaminated land should be remediated so that it is suitable for use and no longer considered as contaminated under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.’
2.4 Best Practice Guidance
2.4.1 The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published ‘Safeguarding our Soils – A Strategy for England’ (24th September 2009). The Soil Strategy was published in tandem with a ‘Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites’4.
4 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (September, 2009) ‘Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites’. Available online @ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-sustainable-use-of-soils-on- construction-sites. Last viewed 8th April 2020
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3 SEMI-DETAILED AGRICULTURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION
3.1 Background
3.1.1 This section of the report sets out the findings of a semi-detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). It is based on a desktop study of relevant published information on climate, topography, geology, and soil in conjunction with a soil survey carried out on Site by a Chartered Soil Scientist over the 19th and 20th March 2020 (see ‘Methodology’ above).
3.1.2 As described in the ALC Guidelines, the main physical factors influencing agricultural land quality are:
• climate; • site; • soil; and • interactive limitations.
3.1.2 These factors are considered in turn below.
3.2 Climate
3.2.1 Interpolated climate data relevant to the determination of the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) grade of land at the Site is given in Table 3.1 below.
Table 3.1: Interpolated ALC Climate Data for Cowley Baldon Solar and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire National Grid Reference Climate Parameter SO 553 007
Average Altitude (m) 64
Average Annual Rainfall (mm) 596
Accumulated Temperature above 0˚C (January – June) 1515
Field Capacity Days (FCD) 125
Moisture Deficit (mm) Wheat 118
Moisture Deficit (mm) Potatoes 113
Best ALC Grade According to Climate Limitation 1
3.2.2 With reference to Figure 1 ‘Grade according to climate’ on page 6 of the ALC Guidelines, the quality of agricultural land at the Site is not limited by overall climate, meaning that agricultural land at the Site could be graded as high as Grade 1, in the absence of any other limiting factor.
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3.2.3 Agricultural land at the Site is predicted to be at field capacity (i.e. near saturation point) for 125 days per year, respectively, over the late autumn, winter and early spring. This is below the average for central, lowland England (i.e. 150 Field Capacity Days).
3.2.4 Quite high moisture deficits (MD) for the two reference crops used for ALC, i.e. winter wheat (118mm) and maincrop potatoes (113mm), at the Site is likely to causes a droughtiness limitation for agricultural land at the Site (see below).
3.3 Site
3.3.1 The Site measures approximately 123ha in area and comprise land currently in agricultural production. It is located to the south of Oxford at British Grid Reference SO 55371 00781 (approximate centre of the Site). The Site is directly south of Blackbird Leys, and west of Toot Baldon. The location and extent of the Site is shown on Figure 1 and Appendix 1.
3.3.2 With regard to the ALC Guidelines, agricultural land quality can be limited by one or more of three main site factors as follows:
• gradient;
• micro-relief (i.e. complex change in slope angle over short distances); and
• risk of flooding.
I. Gradient and Micro-Relief
3.3.3 The northern half of the study area is broadly level and low-lying, at an elevation of between 61 metres (m) Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) in the northwest, and 70mAOD in the northeast (i.e. Fields 2, 3 and 4, Appendix 1). The elevation of the land rises in the southwest (i.e. Field 1, Appendix 1), with auger bore locations 19 and 20 (Figure 1) at 75mAOD, rising to 85mAOD near auger bore 21.
3.3.4 In the southern part of the Site, the elevation of the land increases to between 90 – 95mAOD around auger bores 23 – 27 on Figure 1 (i.e. Field 5, Appendix 1), and then decreases in the southeast to 85mAOD between auger bores 28 and 30 on Figure 1 (i.e. Field 6, Appendix 1).
3.3.5 Gradient is not a limiting factor to agricultural land quality at this Site (re Table 1 of the ALC Guidelines). Likewise, micro-relief, i.e. complex changes in slope angle and direction over short distances, is not limiting to agricultural land quality at the Site.
II. Risk of Flooding
3.3.6 From the Government Flood Map for Planning website5, the entire Site is within Flood Zone 1. The risk of flooding is not limiting to agricultural land quality with regard to Table 2 ‘Grade according to flood risk in summer’, and Table 3 ‘Grade according to flood risk in winter’, of the ALC Guidelines.
5 Government Flood Map for Planning website. Available online @ https://flood-map-for-planning.service.gov.uk/ Last viewed 8th April
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3.4 Soil
I. Geology/Soil Parent Material
3.4.1 British Geological Survey (BGS) information available online has been utilised to show the Superficial Deposits (Drift) and Bedrock underlying the Site6. This provides information on the geological materials in which the soil has formed.
3.4.2 The BGS describes how the Study Area is underlain by underlain by mudstone in the Kimmeridge Clay Formation in the north and west of the Site (i.e. Fields 1, 2, 3 and 4, Appendix 1). In some areas, the mudstone is covered partly by superficial deposits of Head (clay, silt, sand and gravel), i.e. Fields 1, 3 and 4 on Appendix 1.
3.4.3 The higher land over the remainder of the study area in the south and southeast (i.e. Fields 5 and 6, Appendix 1) is underlain by limestone and calcareous sandstone in the Portland Group, with no superficial deposits.
II. Published Information on Soil
3.4.4 Provisional information for soils at the Site was gathered from the Soil Survey of England and Wales (SSEW) soil map of South East England (Sheet 6) at a scale of 1:250,000 and accompanying Bulletin No. 15 ‘Soils and their Use in South East England (M. G. Jarvis et al, Harpenden, 1984).
3.4.5 The SSEW soil map indicates that low-lying ground underlain by mudstone in the north of the Site (i.e. Fields 2, 3 and 4, Appendix 1) is covered by slowly permeable and seasonally waterlogged fine loamy over clay, and clay soils in the Wickham 2 association. The higher land in the southeast (i.e. Fields 5 and 6, Appendix 1), which is underlain by the Portland Group (limestone and calcareous sandstone), is covered by well drained sandy soils in the Frilford association.
III. Soil Survey
3.4.6 The semi-detailed ALC/soil survey determined three types of soil, as described below.
3.4.7 Soil Type 1 is found on the mostly flat, lower-lying ground in the northern part of the Site (i.e. Fields 2, 3 and 4, Appendix 1). The stoneless clayey, or occasionaly fine loamy topsoils, typically directly overlie gleyed and slowly permeable, stoneless clay subsoils. These profiles have significantly impeded drainage and are therefore assessed as Wetness Class III.
3.4.8 Soil Type 2 occurs mostly on the highest parts of the survey area in the southeast, i.e. Field 5, Appendix 1. The typically stoneless sandy topsoils overlie similar sandy (occasionally coarse loamy) subsoils, which often exhibit gley characteristics. These soils are typically free draining and assessed as Wetness Class I.
3.4.9 Soil Type 3. These soils are found in the southeast of the Site, i.e. Field 6, Appendix X, where the land is level, or slopes gently towards the south. Topsoils are stoneless and range from fine loamy to sandy; they overlie similarly variable, but typically fine loamy subsoils, which often show gley characteristics. The profiles are typically free draining and are assessed as mainly Wetness Class I.
2020 6 British Geological Survey ‘Geology of Britain Viewer’. Available online @ http://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/geologyOfBritain/viewer.html Last viewed 8th April 2020
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3.4.10 In order to determine the topsoil texture, three samples of topsoil were collected at Sample Locations 3, 19 and 23, as shown on Figure 1. The topsoil samples were sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis of particle size distribution (PSD), based on the British Standard Institution particle size grades. The certificate of analysis is provided as Appendix 4. The findings of the PSD analysis are shown in Table 3.2 below:
Table 3.2: Topsoil Texture (re Table 10, ALC Guidelines)
Topsoil Sample % sand % silt % clay Location 0.063-2.0 0.002- ALC Soil Texture Class <0.002 mm (See Fig. 1) mm 0.063 mm
AB3 35 31 34 Heavy Clay Loam AB19 31 32 37 Clay AB23 86 7 7 Loamy Sand
3.5 Interactive Limitations
3.5.1 From the published information above, together with the findings of the detailed soil survey, it has been determined that the quality of agricultural land at the Site is limited mainly by soil wetness in the northern half (i.e. Fields 2, 3 and 4, Appendix 1) associated with Soil Type 1. Higher ground in the south is mainly limited by slight soil droughtiness. These interactive limitations are described in turn below.
I. Soil Wetness
3.5.2 A soil wetness limitation occurs where the soil water regime adversely affects plant growth or imposes restrictions on cultivations or grazing by livestock. The ALC grade according to soil wetness at the Site is given in Table 2.3 below (based on Table 6 ‘Grade According to Soil Wetness – Mineral Soils’ in the ALC Guidelines).
Table 3.3: ALC Grade According to Soil Wetness
Wetness Class Texture of the Top 25 cm <126 Field Capacity Days
III Sand, Loamy Sand, Sandy Loam, Sandy Silt Loam 2 Sandy Clay Loam/Medium Silty Clay Loam /Medium Clay Loam* 3a (2) Heavy Clay Loam** 3b (3a) Sandy Clay/Silty Clay/Clay 3b (3a) Key: (x) For naturally calcareous soils with more than 1% CaCO3 and 18% - 50% clay * <27% clay; and ** >27% clay
3.1.1 In a climate area with 125 FCD, soil profiles with non-calcareous, heavy clay loam or clay topsoil and slowly permeable and seasonally waterlogged subsoil (i.e. Wetness Class III) are limited by soil wetness to Subgrade 3b.
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II. Soil Droughtiness
3.5.3 From the ALC Guidelines, a soil droughtiness limitation exists ‘in areas with relatively low rainfall or high evapotranspiration, or where the soil holds only small reserves of moisture available to plant roots.’ The ALC grade according to soil droughtiness is shown in Table 3.4 below (based on Table 8 ‘Grade According to Droughtiness’ in the ALC Guidelines). To be eligible for Grades 1 to 3b the moisture balances (MBs) must be equal to, or exceed, the stated minimum values for both wheat and potatoes. If the MB for either crop is less (i.e. more negative) than that shown for Subgrade 3b, the soil is Grade 4 on droughtiness):
Table 3.4: ALC Grade According to Droughtiness (re Table 8 of the MAFF ALC Guidelines) Grade/Subgrade Moisture Balance (MB) Limits (mm) Wheat Potatoes 1 +30 +10 2 +5 -10 3a -20 -30 3b -50 -55 4 <-50 <-55
3.5.4 The moisture balance (MB) values have been calculated for the soil profile at each auger bore location and are reported in the Soil Profile Logs, given as Appendix 2. Soil profiles in Soil Type 2 in Field 5 (Appendix 1) are limited by soil droughtiness to Subgrade 3b. Soil profiles in Soil Type 3 in Field 6 (Appendix 1) are limited by soil droughtiness to Grade 2.
3.6 Semi-Detailed ALC Grading at the Site
3.6.1 The area of land in each ALC grade has been measured from Figure 2 and the area (ha) and proportion (% of Site) is given in Table 3.5.
Table 3.5: Semi-Detailed Agricultural Land Classification – Cowley Baldon Solar and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire
ALC Grade Area (Ha) Area (%)
Grade 1 (Excellent) 0 0
Grade 2 (Very Good) 19.7 16.0
Subgrade 3a (Good) 10.3 8.4
Subgrade 3b (Moderate) 85.8 69.8
Grade 4 (Poor) 0 0
Grade 5 (Very Poor) 0 0
Other Land / Non-agricultural 7.2 5.8
Total 123.0 100
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I. Grade 2
3.6.2 Land mapped as Grade 2 corresponds with Soil Type 3. The combination of good drainage characteristics and relatively good water holding capacity means the soils are only affected by a minor droughtiness constraint. Grade 2 is mapped over 19.7 ha, or approximately 16% of the Site.
II. Subgrade 3a
3.6.3 The land mapped as Subgrade 3a occurs in the southwest of the Site (i.e. Field 1, Appendix 1), corresponding with Soil Type 1, where fine loamy topsoils occur. The combination of impaired subsoil drainage with the slightly more workable fine loamy topsoils, imposes a moderate wetness and workability constraint which restricts this land to this subgrade. Subgrade 3a is mapped over 10.3 ha, or approximately 8% of the Site.
III. Subgrade 3b
3.6.4 The land classified as Subgrade 3b occurs in two situations. The majority corresponds with most of Soil Type 1 (i.e. Fields 2, 3 and 4, Appendix 1), where the clay topsoil, combined with the impaired drainage characteristics of the slowly permeable clay subsoil, imposes a significant wetness and workability constraint.
3.6.5 The remainder of the Subgrade 3b is associated with Soil Type 2 (i.e. Field 5, Appendix 1), where the free draining sandy soils have limited ability to retain water for crop growth. This factor, combined with the relatively high soil moisture deficits that occur in this geographical area, impose a significant droughtiness constraint.
3.6.6 Subgrade 3b is mapped over 85.8 ha, or approximately 70% of the Site.
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4 ALC AT THE SITE IN A WIDER GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 The aim of this section is to consider information on agricultural land quality at the Site produced by the former MAFF, now part of Defra.
4.2 Pre-1988 ALC Information
3.1.2 During the 1960’s and 1970’s MAFF produced a series of maps to show the provisional ALC grade of agricultural land over the whole of England and Wales at a scale of 1:250,000. These provisional ALC maps are suitable for strategic land use planning only, i.e. they appropriate for land areas greater than 80 ha. The Provisional (1:250 000) scale ALC information indicates that agricultural land in the northern half of the Site is Grade 3 (not differentiated between Subgrade 3a and Subgrade 3b) and Grade 4, with Grade 2 in the south.
4.3 Post-1988 ALC Information
4.3.1 From the MAGIC website7, it has been determined that no post-1988 ALC survey has been undertaken by MAFF at the Site. MAFF has determined a mixture of Grade 2, Subgrade 3a, Subgrade 3b and Grade 4 to the southwest of the Site (see below).
Site
7 Source: www.magic.gov.uk Last viewed 8th April 2020
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5 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
5.1.1 An assessment of agricultural land quality, involving a desktop study and a detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey, has been undertaken to determine the quality of agricultural land at Cowley Baldon Solar and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire, OX4 7HA (‘the Site’). The Site comprises approximately 123 ha, as shown on Figure 1. It is located to the south of Oxford at SO 55371 00781 (approximate centre of the Site).
5.1.2 British Geological Survey (BGS) information at a scale of 1:50,000 indicates that the Site is underlain by mudstone in the Kimmeridge Clay Formation in the north and west of the Site. In some areas, the mudstone is covered partly by superficial deposits of Head (clay, silt, sand and gravel). The higher land over the remainder of the study area in the south and southeast is underlain by limestone and calcareous sandstone in the Portland Group, with no superficial deposits.
5.1.3 The Soil Survey of England and Wales provisional soil map (1:250,000) indicates that low-lying ground underlain by mudstone in the north of the Site is covered by slowly permeable and seasonally waterlogged fine loamy over clay, and clay soils in the Wickham 2 association. The higher land in the southeast, which is underlain by the Portland Group (limestone and calcareous sandstone), is covered by well drained sandy soils in the Frilford association.
5.1.4 Land mapped as Grade 2 has good drainage characteristics and relatively good water holding capacity. These soils are affected by a minor droughtiness constraint. Grade 2 is mapped over 19.7 ha, or approximately 16% of the Site.
5.1.5 Land classified as Subgrade 3a occurs in the southwest of the Site, where fine loamy topsoils occur. The combination of impaired subsoil drainage with the slightly more workable fine loamy topsoils, imposes a moderate wetness and workability constraint. Subgrade 3a is mapped over 10.3 ha, or approximately 8% of the Site.
5.1.6 Land graded as Subgrade 3b occurs in two situations. Most of the Subgrade 3b land occurs in the north of the Site, where soil profiles with non-calcareous, heavy clay loam or clay topsoil and slowly permeable and seasonally waterlogged subsoil (i.e. Wetness Class III) are limited by soil wetness. Some land in the southeast, which has well drained, loamy sand soils, are limited by soil droughtiness to Subgrade 3b. Subgrade 3b is mapped over 85.8 ha, or approximately 70% of the Site.
5.1.7 With 70% of agricultural land in Subgrade 3b, the proposed Generating Station at Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage will not significantly harm national agricultural interests (re paragraphs 170 and 171 of NPPF, 2019). The smaller proportion of BMV land at the Site will not be excavated, but its quality and quantity will be maintained under the solar panels. With land use being changed from intensive arable to grassland, it is likely that soil-health will be improved, e.g. increase in soil organic matter (SOM), improved soil structure, and an increase in soil flora, fauna and microbes. Soil resources (topsoil and subsoil) should be conserved on Site in accordance with DEFRA’s ‘Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soil on Construction Sites’ (September 2009).
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Figures
C698 Issue: 2 Askew Land & Soil Ltd
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Client Figure 1 N Sample Locations Enso Energy Limited Site boundary D 0) Project Name • Auger location Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire Topsoil Sample Project No C698 0 Dwg. No 01 R W Askew BSc(Hons) MISoilSci MSc CSCi Scale NTS The Old Stables, Upexe, Exeter, EX5 5ND Soil Pit Date 30/03/20 ■ Tel: 07753 227 224 Drawn By ELA Email: [email protected]
© Askew Land and Soil Limited. Ordnance Survey© Crown copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Licence number ,.,, ti dfordbrake Farm\ , . ,,.. . . -::J ,.•' ,, \),,,, ,'\\ , __,.,..__ 0..... '\) _ --:i .....__ �'----__.ll __ o·K RD-
Up / Fa ��:����/- Figure 2: ALC Grade Client
• Gradel Site boundary Agricultural Land Classification D Enso Energy Limited Grade 2
Subgrade 3a Project Name Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Subgrade 36 Battery Storage, Oxfordshire Proiect No C698 Grade 4 Dwg. No 2 Grade 5 Scale NTS R W Askew BSc(Hons) MISoilSci MSc CSCi The Old Stables, Upexe, Exeter, EX5 5ND Date 30/04/2020 Tel: 07753 227 224 Non-agricultural Drawn By ELA Email: [email protected]
Enso Energy Limited Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxon Agricultural Land Classification
Appendix 1: Location Plan Showing Field Numbers
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Field 4 Field 3 Field 2
Site Access
Field 5
Field 1
Field 6
REV. DSGD DATE MODIFICATION PROJECT NAME: Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxon Site Boundary DRAWING TITLE: Land Application Boundary Aardvark EM Limited Location Plan Higher Ford Wiveliscombe Taunton Somerset TA4 2RL Field Boundary Tel: 01984 624989 DRAWING No: REVISION: Fax: 01984 623912 2013/D003 v.a [email protected] www.aardvarkem.co.uk SCALE: FORMAT: DATE: * This document is exclusive property of Aardvark EM Limited. Copying, reproduction or disclosure to third parties is prohibited without written permission of Aardvark EM Limited and in case of infringement, Aardvark EM Limited seek 1:2500 A0 31 Mar 2020 damages for breach of statutory or contractual obligations.
Drawn By: DP Checked By: RN File:\Z:\Data 2020\2013 Enso Green Holdings - Cowley\Data & Drawings\CAD\2013-D003-Cowley.dwg
Enso Energy Limited Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxon Agricultural Land Classification
Appendix 2: Soil Profile Logs
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Project Number Project Name Parcel C698 Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire C698
Date of Survey Survey Type Surveyor(s) Company 23/03/2020 Semi‐detailed ALC AR Askew Land and Soil
Weather Relief Land use and vegetation Dry, Sunny Level
Grid Reference Postcode Altitude Area SP550008 OX4 7HA 64 123
MAFF prov MAFF detailed Flooding Grade 2, 3 and 4 None Flood Zone 1
AAR AT0 MDw MDp FCD Climate grade 596 1515 118 113 125 1
Bedrock Superficial deposits Kimmeridge Clay Formation/Portland Group Headland/None
Soil association(s) 1:250,000 Detailed soil information Wickham; Frilford (south) No published SSEW data
Revision Number Date Revised 2 30/04/2020
C698 Cowley, Oxford Revision 2 Revision Date 08/04/2020 Grid ref. Depth (cm) Matrix Ochreous Mottles Grey Mottles Stones ‐ type 1 Stones ‐ type 2 PedDrought Wet Final ALC Point Alt (m) Slope o Aspect Land use Gley Texture SUBS STR CaCO3 Mn C SPL NGR XY Top Bttm Thick Munsell colour Form Munsell colour Form Munsell colour % > 2cm > 6cm Type % > 2cm > 6cm Type Strength Size Shape MBw MBp Gd WC Gw Limitation 1 Limitation 2 Limitation 3 Grade 1SP 55600 01200 455600 201200 70 0 25 25 2.5Y4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo14 ‐22WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 40 15 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor SC ‐ Slig No Yes 40 120 80 2.5Y5/3 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor MC ‐ MoNo Yes
2SP 55800 01200 455800 201200 68 0 28 28 10YR4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo14 ‐12WC III 3b Wetness 3b 28 120 92 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 1 1 HR ‐ All hard rocks or stones (i.e. those which cannot be scratched witPoor NON ‐ NNo Yes
3SP 54600 01000 454600 201000 65 0 28 28 2.5Y4/2 HCL ‐ Clay0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo15 ‐12WC III 3b Wetness 3b 28 120 92 5Y5/2 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
4SP 54800 01000 454800 201000 66 0 25 25 2.5Y4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo14 ‐22WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 50 25 2.5Y5/2 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes 50 120 70 5Y5/3 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
5SP 55000 01000 455000 201000 65 0 25 25 2.5Y4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo14 ‐22WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 50 25 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes 50 120 70 5Y4/2 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
6SP 55200 01000 455200 201000 65 0 25 25 10YR4/2 HCL ‐ Clay0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo16 0 2 WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 120 95 2.5Y5/2 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NYes Yes
7SP 55400 01000 455400 201000 67 0 25 25 2.5Y4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo14 ‐22WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 120 95 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
8SP 55600 01000 455600 201000 71 0 25 25 10YR4/3 HCL ‐ Clay0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo16 0 2 WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 120 95 2.5Y6/2 MP ‐ M7.5YR5/8 Yes C ‐ Clay Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
9SP 55800 01000 455800 201000 70 0 25 25 10YR4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo14 ‐22WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 40 15 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes 40 120 80 2.5Y5/1 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
10 SP 54400 00800 454400 200800 65 0 30 30 2.5Y4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo16 0 2 WC III 3b Wetness 3b 30 120 90 2.5Y5/3 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
11 SP 54600 00800 454600 200800 70 0 20 20 2.5Y4/2 C ‐ Clay 5 5 HR ‐ All hard rocks or stones (i.e. those which cannot be scratched with a finger nNON ‐ Non‐calcareo10 ‐62WC III 3b Wetness 3b 20 120 100 2.5Y5/3 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
12 SP 54800 00800 454800 200800 68 0 30 30 10YR4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo16 0 2 WC III 3b Wetness 3b 30 120 90 2.5Y5/3 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes C ‐ Clay Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes Grid ref. Depth (cm) Matrix Ochreous Mottles Grey Mottles Stones ‐ type 1 Stones ‐ type 2 PedDrought Wet Final ALC Point Alt (m) Slope o Aspect Land use Gley Texture SUBS STR CaCO3 Mn C SPL NGR XY Top Bttm Thick Munsell colour Form Munsell colour Form Munsell colour % > 2cm > 6cm Type % > 2cm > 6cm Type Strength Size Shape MBw MBp Gd WC Gw Limitation 1 Limitation 2 Limitation 3 Grade
13 SP 55000 00800 455000 200800 68 0 25 25 10YR4/2 HCL ‐ Clay0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo16 0 2 WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 120 95 2.5Y5/2 CP ‐ Co7.5YR5/8 Yes C ‐ Clay Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
14 SP 55200 00800 455200 200800 70 0 25 25 2.5Y4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo14 ‐22WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 120 95 2.5Y5/2 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
15 SP 55400 00800 455400 200800 73 0 25 25 2.5Y4/2 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo14 ‐22WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 120 95 2.5Y5/2 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
16 SP 55600 00800 455600 200800 77 0 30 30 10YR4/2 SCL ‐ Sand0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo20 4 2 WC III 3a Wetness 3a 30 50 20 2.5Y5/2 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 50 120 70 2.5Y6/2 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
17 SP 54400 00600 454400 200600 78 0 30 30 2.5Y4/3 C ‐ Clay 0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo16 0 2 WC III 3b Wetness 3b 30 120 90 2.5Y5/4 FD ‐ Fe10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NYes Yes
18 SP 54600 00600 454600 200600 61 0 30 30 10YR4/2 C ‐ Clay 2 2 0 HR ‐ All hard rocks or stones (i.e. those which cannot be scratched with a finger nNON ‐ Non‐calcareo17 1 2 WC II 3a Wetness 3a 30 40 10 2.5Y5/4 No C ‐ Clay 1 HR ‐ All hard rocks or stones (i.e. those which cannot be scratched witModerate SC ‐ Slig No No 40 120 80 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y6/1 Yes C ‐ Clay 2 HR ‐ All hard rocks or stones (i.e. those which cannot be scratched witPoor MC ‐ MoNo Yes
19 SP 54800 00600 454800 200600 69 0 30 30 10YR4/3 SCL ‐ Sand0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo16 0 2 WC III 3a Wetness 3a 30 120 90 2.5Y5/2 MP ‐ M7.5YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay Poor NON ‐ NYes Yes
20 SP 54600 00400 454600 200400 72 0 25 25 10YR4/3 SCL ‐ Sand0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo16 0 2 WC III 3a Wetness 3a 25 35 10 2.5Y5/2 MP ‐ M7.5YR5/6 Yes SC ‐ Sand 0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 35 120 85 5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
21 SP 54800 00400 454800 200400 81 0 25 25 10YR4/2 HCL ‐ Clay0 NON ‐ Non‐calcareo20 4 2 WC III 3b Wetness 3b 25 35 10 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co5Y5/2 Yes HCL ‐ Clay0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 35 120 85 5Y5/2 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Poor NON ‐ NNo Yes
22 SP 55780 00800 455780 200800 77 0 20 20 10YR4/2 LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No ‐8 ‐41 3b WC I 1 Droughtiness 3b 20 40 20 10YR5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes LMS ‐ Loa1 1 MSST ‐ Soft, medium or coarse grained sandstones Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 40 80 40 2.5Y5/2 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes LMS ‐ Loa1 1 MSST ‐ Soft, medium or coarse grained sandstones Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 80 120 40 2.5Y6/2 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No
23 SP 55600 00600 455600 200600 96 0 35 35 10YR4/2 LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No ‐20 ‐33 3b WC I 1 Droughtiness 3b 35 50 15 10YR3/2 No LMS ‐ Loa3 3 0 MSST ‐ Soft, medium or coarse grained sandstones Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 50 120 70 2.5Y5/3 Yes LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No
24 SP 55800 00600 455800 200600 91 0 25 25 10YR4/2 LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No ‐26 ‐38 3b WC I 1 Droughtiness 3b 25 70 45 10YR5/4 No LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 70 120 50 2.5Y6/1 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No Grid ref. Depth (cm) Matrix Ochreous Mottles Grey Mottles Stones ‐ type 1 Stones ‐ type 2 PedDrought Wet Final ALC Point Alt (m) Slope o Aspect Land use Gley Texture SUBS STR CaCO3 Mn C SPL NGR XY Top Bttm Thick Munsell colour Form Munsell colour Form Munsell colour % > 2cm > 6cm Type % > 2cm > 6cm Type Strength Size Shape MBw MBp Gd WC Gw Limitation 1 Limitation 2 Limitation 3 Grade
25 SP 55400 00500 455400 200500 98 0 25 25 10YR4/2 LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No 36 ‐42WC I 1 Droughtiness 3b 25 50 25 10YR5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes MSL ‐ Me5 5 0 MSST ‐ Soft, medium or coarse grained sandstones Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 50 80 30 2.5Y6/2 MP ‐ M5YR5/8 Yes MSL ‐ Me0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 80 120 40 10YR5/4 No MSL ‐ Me0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No
26 SP 55600 00400 455600 200400 97 0 35 35 10YR3/2 LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No ‐28 ‐38 3b WC I 1 Droughtiness 3b 35 120 85 10YR5/4 No MS ‐ Med0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No
27 SP 55800 00400 455800 200400 94 0 28 28 10YR4/2 LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No 1 ‐21 3a WC I 1 Droughtiness 3a 28 50 22 10YR5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 50 90 40 2.5Y6/1 No MSL ‐ Me0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 90 120 30 2.5Y5/2 No LMS ‐ Loa0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No
28 SP 55800 00200 455800 200200 88 0 25 25 10YR4/2 No MSL ‐ Me0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No 34 9 2 WC III 2 Droughtiness Wetness 2 25 50 25 10YR5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y5/2 Yes SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 50 80 30 2.5Y6/2 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes C ‐ Clay 0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo Yes 80 120 40 2.5Y6/2 CP ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No
29 SP 55800 00000 455800 200000 85 0 30 30 10YR4/2 No SCL ‐ Sand110HR ‐ All hard rocks or stones (i.e. those which cannot be scratched witModerate NON ‐ Non‐cal No 44 8 2 WC II 2 Droughtiness Wetness 2 30 35 5 2.5Y5/4 No SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No 35 60 25 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 60 90 30 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y5/1 Yes MSL ‐ Me0 Moderate NON ‐ NNo No 90 120 30 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 CD ‐ Co2.5Y5/1 SCL ‐ Sandy clay loam Moderate NON ‐ NNo No
30 SU 55700 99900 455700 199900 85 0 25 25 10YR4/2 No SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No 40 7 2 WC II 2 Droughtiness Wetness 2 25 35 10 10YR5/4 No SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ Non‐cal No 35 50 15 2.5Y5/3 CD ‐ Co10YR5/6 Yes SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ NYes No 50 120 70 5Y6/2 MP ‐ M7.5YR5/6 Yes SCL ‐ Sand0 Moderate NON ‐ NYes No
END Mottle form Ped. Shape Ped. Size FF ‐ Few Faint SG ‐ Single grain VF ‐ Very Fine FD ‐ Few Distinct GRA ‐ Granular F ‐ Fine FP ‐ Few Prominent SAB ‐ Subangular Blocky M ‐ Medium CF ‐ Common Faint AB ‐ Angular Blocky C ‐ Coarse CD ‐ Common Distinct PRIS ‐ Prismatic VC ‐ Very Coarse CP ‐ Common Prominent PLAT ‐ Platy NA ‐ N/A MF ‐ Many Faint MASS ‐ Massive MD ‐ Many Distinct NA ‐ N/A Degree of Ped. Development MP ‐ Many Prominent W ‐ Weak VF ‐ Very many Faint Subsoil Structure Condition M ‐ Moderate VD ‐ Very many Distinct Not Applicable S ‐ Strong VP ‐ Very many Prominent Good NA ‐ Not applicable Moderate Texture Poor Wetness Class C ‐ Clay WC I CHK ‐ Chalk Soil or Ped. Strength WC II CS ‐ Coarse Sand Loose WC III CSL ‐ Coarse sandy loam Very friable WC IV CSZL ‐ Coarse sandy silt loam Friable WC V FP ‐ Fibrous and semifibrous peats Firm WC VI FS ‐ Fine Sand Very firm FSL ‐ Fine sandy loam Extremely firm ALC Grades FSZL ‐ Fine sandy silt loam Extremely hard 1 HCL ‐ Clay loam (heavy) N/A 2 HP ‐ Humified peats 3a HZCL ‐ Silty clay loam (heavy) Calcareousness 3b IMP ‐ Impenetrable to roots NON ‐ Non‐calcareous (<0.5% CaCO3) 4 LCS ‐ Loamy Coarse Sand VSC ‐ Very slightly calcareous (0.5 ‐ 1% CaCO3) 5 LFS ‐ Loamy fine sand SC ‐ Slightly calcareous (1 ‐ 5% CaCO3) Non‐Ag LMS ‐ Loamy medium sand MC ‐ Moderately calcareous (5 ‐ 10% CaCO3) LP ‐ Loamy peats VC ‐ Very calcareous (>10% CaCO3) Gley MCL ‐ Clay loam (medium) None MS ‐ Medium Sand Gley MSL ‐ Medium sandy loam N/A MSZL ‐ Medium sandy silt loam MZ ‐ Marine Light Silts MZCL ‐ Silty clay loam (medium) OC ‐ Organic clays OL ‐ Organic loams OS ‐ Organic sands PL ‐ Peaty loams PS ‐ Peaty sands SC ‐ Sandy clay SCL ‐ Sandy clay loam SP ‐ Sandy peats ZC ‐ Silty clay ZL ‐ Silt loam
Stone Type CH ‐ Chalk or chalk stones FSST ‐ Soft fine grained sandstones GH ‐ Gravel with non‐porous (hard) stones GS ‐ Gravel with porous stones (mainly soft stone types listed above) HR ‐ All hard rocks or stones (i.e. those which cannot be scratched with a finger nail) MSST ‐ Soft, medium or coarse grained sandstones SI ‐ Soft ‘weathered’ igneous or metamorphic rocks or stones SLST ‐ Soft oolitic or dolomitic limestones ZR ‐ Soft, argillaceous or silty rocks or stones
C698 Cowley, Oxford Revision 2 Revision Date 08/04/2020
Enso Energy Limited Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxon Agricultural Land Classification
Appendix 3: Soil Pit Description
C698 Issue: 2 Askew Land & Soil Ltd
Project Location Date Surveyor(s) Company
C698 Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxfordshire 18‐Mar‐19 AR Askew Land and Soil
Pit WC Grade Limitation(s) Notes
1 III 3b Wetness North of site, underlain by Kimmeridge Clay Formation (Mudstone)
Grid Ref. Altitude Nearest Topography Flora Weather and conditions Square East North point Gradient Aspect Slope form Surface Culivation type Vegetation types Temp Sky Wind Precipitation
SP 550 010 65 5 <7 West Straight Flat Ploughed Cereals Cold Cloudy Slight Showers
Horizon Depth Matrix Gleying Mottles Stone content Calc. Mn C Ped/soil structure Horizon boundary Biopores SPL Top Bttm Texture Colour Munsell Gley Colour Munsell Form Colour Munsell % H Type S Type Dev. Size Structure Strength Distinct Form 0.5mm Topsoil 025Clay Dark Greyish 2.5Y4/2 No 0 ModNoNo Fine Subangular Firm Clear Smooth No Brown Blocky >0.5% Upper Clay5025 Light Olive 2.5Y5/3 Yes Light Olive 2.5Y5/3 CD Yellowish Brown 10YR5/6 0 PoorNoNo Medium Angular Firm Clear Smooth Yes Brown Brown Subsoil <0.5% Lower 50 120 Clay Olive Grey 5Y4/2 Yes Olive Grey 5Y4/2 CD Grey 2.5Y6/1 0 No No Poor Coarse Prismatic Firm n/a n/a Yes Subsoil <0.5%
Pit WC Grade Limitation(s) Notes
2 I 3b Droughtiness South of site underlain by Portland Limestone And Sandstone
Grid Ref. Altitude Nearest Topography Flora Weather and conditions Square East North point Gradient Aspect Slope form Surface Culivation type Vegetation types Temp Sky Wind Precipitation
ST 554 005 98 25 <7 South Convex Flat Ploughed Cereals Cold Cloudy Slight Showers
Horizon Depth Matrix Gleying Mottles Stone content Calc. Mn C Ped/soil structure Horizon boundary Biopores SPL Top Bttm Texture Colour Munsell Gley Colour Munsell Form Colour Munsell % H Type S Type Dev. Size Structure Strength Distinct Form Topsoil 0 25 Loamy Medium Dark Greyish 10YR4/2 No 0 No No Mod Fine Granular Mod Clear Smooth No Sand Brown >0.5% Upper 25 50 Medium Sandy Brown 10YR5/3 Yes Brown 10YR5/3 CD Yellowish Brown 10YR5/6 5 0 5 Soft No No Mod Med Granular Mod Clear Smooth No Loam Subsoil sandstone >0.5% Lower 50 120 Medium Sandy Light Brown 2.5Y6/2 Yes Light Brown 2.5Y6/2 CD Grey 2.5Y6/1 0 No No Mod Med Granular Mod n/a n/a No Loam Grey Grey Subsoil >0.5%
Enso Energy Limited Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage, Oxon Agricultural Land Classification
Appendix 4: Topsoil Particle Size Analysis
C698 Issue: 2 Askew Land & Soil Ltd
ANALYTICAL REPORT Report Number 93242-20 N717 ROB ASKEW Client C698 Date Received 23-MAR-2020 Date Reported 27-MAR-2020 Project SOIL Reference C698 Order Number Laboratory Reference SOIL474250 SOIL474251 SOIL474252
Sample Reference AB3 AB19 AB23
Determinand Unit SOIL SOIL SOIL
Sand 2.00-0.063mm % w/w 35 31 86 Silt 0.063-0.002mm % w/w 31 32 7 Clay <0.002mm % w/w 34 37 7 Textural Class ** HCL C LS Notes Analysis Notes The sample submitted was of adequate size to complete all analysis requested. The results as reported relate only to the item(s) submitted for testing. The results are presented on a dry matter basis unless otherwise stipulated. Document Control This test report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of the laboratory. ** Please see the attached document for the definition of textural classes.
Reported by Myles Nicholson Natural Resource Management, a trading division of Cawood Scientific Ltd. Coopers Bridge, Braziers Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6NS Tel: 01344 886338 Fax: 01344 890972 email: [email protected]
Page 1 of 1
ADAS (UK) Textural Class Abbreviations
The texture classes are denoted by the following abbreviations: Class Code Sand S Loamy sand LS Sandy loam SL Sandy Silt loam SZL Silt loam ZL Sandy clay loam SCL Clay loam CL Silt clay loam ZCL Clay C Silty clay ZC Sandy clay SC
For the sand, loamy sand, sandy loam and sandy silt loam classes the predominant size of sand fraction may be indicated by the use of prefixes, thus: vf Very Fine (more than 2/3’s of sand less than 0.106 mm) f Fine (more than 2/3’s of sand less than 0.212 mm) c Coarse (more than 1/3 of sand greater than 0.6 mm) m Medium (less than 2/3’s fine sand and less than 1/3 coarse sand).
The subdivisions of clay loam and silty clay loam classes according to clay content are indicated as follows: M medium (less than 27% clay) H heavy (27-35% clay)
Organic soils i.e. those with an organic matter greater than 10% will be preceded with a letter O.
Peaty soils i.e. those with an organic matter greater than 20% will be preceded with a letter P.
Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request
Appendix 7: Preliminary Flood Risk Screening Report
Aardvark EM Limited April 2020
Page 40
30th April 2020
Cowley Baldon Green Limited
Via Email
Our Ref: RMA-LC2070_04 – Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage FRS
Dear Cowley Baldon Green Limited,
RE: PROPOSED COWLEY BALDON SOLAR FARM AND BATTERY STORAGE - FLOOD RISK SCREENING APPRAISAL
Further to our instruction to establish flood risks associated with a proposed solar farm and battery storage in Oxfordshire (refer to Figure 1), we have set out in this letter the results of the flood risk screening appraisal. The Site is centred on the National Grid Reference (NGR) SP 55110 00880 and has an area of approximately 123 hectares (ha).
The Proposed Development comprises the construction, operation, management and decommissioning of a solar park for a temporary period of 35 years from the date of the first exportation of electricity from the Site (refer to illustrative layout at Appendix A).
All of the data obtained for this flood risk review has been interpreted in relation to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF; February 2019) and the associated Planning Practice Guidance (PPG; October 2019). Historical flood records and other flood sources have been obtained from the Environment Agency (EA).
The following subsections set out an evaluation of the key aspects of development on the Site in terms of flood risk:
• local hydrology; • flood zoning and historical flooding; • surface water flooding; • surface water drainage; • planning policy considerations; • other considerations; and • summary.
The purpose of this screening exercise is to set out the broad flood risk issues for the Site with the aim of identifying any major constraints to development.
Local Hydrology
Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping indicates that a number of ordinary watercourses1 are located within the Site which generally flow in either a northerly or southerly direction (refer to Figure 2).
1 Ordinary watercourse is defined by the EA as any watercourse including every river, stream, ditch, drain, cut, dyke, sluice, sewer (other than a public sewer) and passage through which water flows and which does not form part of a main river.
RMA Environmental Limited Registered in England Suite 4, Swallow Court, Devonshire Gate, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 7EJ No. 6915388 Registered Office: Tel: 01884 842 740 2 Chartfield House Castle Street www.rma-environmental.co.uk Taunton TA1 4AS
This includes a watercourse, referred to as ‘Watercourse 1’, with a small catchment area of 0.59 km2 which flows in a westerly direction along part of the northern boundary and a watercourse, referred to as ‘Watercourse 2’, flows through the centre of the Site towards the northern boundary. These two watercourses converge near the northern boundary and flow in a northerly direction into the Littlemore Brook, a ‘main river’2, approximately 1.4 km to the north of the Site. Littlemore Brook has a catchment area of 15.9 km2 at the location of the Site.
A watercourse, referred to as ‘Watercourse 3’, along the southern boundary of the Site flows in a southerly direction into the River Thames approximately 4.1 km to the south of the Site. The River Thames, a ‘main river’, is located approximately 1.1 km to the west of the site at its closest point and flows in a southerly direction.
Flood Zoning and Historical Flooding
The Site is located entirely within fluvial Flood Zone 1 (low risk) (refer to Figure 2). The South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) and Vale of White Horse District Council (VOWH) Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA; JBA Consulting, 2017) indicates that the Site is located outside of the 1% AEP plus 20% climate change (CC) flood extent.
The operational lifetime of the development is 35 years and, therefore, the climate allowances for the 2040 to 2069 timescale is appropriate. Based on this operational timescale, the latest guidance on climate change states that for ‘less vulnerable’ development within the Thames river basin district, climate change could increase river flows between 15% to 25% for the central and higher central allowances, respectively. Therefore, the climate change extent within the SFRA is considered to be appropriate for the development and the Site is considered to be located within Flood Zone 1 for the lifetime of the development.
Flood Zone 1 is defined as land with little or no flood risk (an annual exceedance probability [AEP] of flooding of less than 0.1%). Flood Zone 2 is defined as having a medium flood risk (an AEP of between 0.1% and 0.5% for tidal areas or 0.1% and 1.0% for rivers). Flood Zone 3 is defined as high risk (with an AEP of greater than 0.5% for tidal areas or greater than 1.0% for rivers).
The SFRA (JBA Consulting, 2017) identified that the urban area of Nuneham Courtenay, located approximately 540 m to the south of the Site, requested 15 to 27 sandbags and the urban area of Marsh Baldon, located approximately 250 m to the south-east of the Site, requested one to five sandbags from 2000 to 2007.
The EA’s historic flood map indicates that there are no historic flood records for the Site; however, there are records of historic flooding approximately 930 m to the east of the site along the Baldon Brook and approximately 645 m to the west of the Site along the River Thames.
The SFRA indicates that ‘between 50% and 75% of one of the 1 km squares that the site is located within is susceptible to groundwater emergence’ which is likely to be due to the proximity of the watercourses particularly in the northern part of the Site. However, any groundwater flooding is likely to be shallow and would not adversely affect the Proposed Development.
The SFRA indicated that the Site lies within a postcode area with 8 records of Thames Water sewer flooding. No further details are given on the location or extent of these records and, given that only a small number of incidents are recorded over a large postcode area and the Proposed Development does not require a sewer connection, the Site is not considered to be at a significant risk of flooding from sewer flooding.
Based on a review of other sources of flooding (such as reservoirs), it is considered that flood risks from these are low and, therefore, they are not considered further.
2 Main river is defined by the EA as any watercourse that contributes significantly to the hydrology of a catchment. Surface Water Flooding
The EA’s surface water flood risk map (refer to Figure 3) shows that the majority of the Site has a very low surface water flood risk (i.e. less than 0.1% annual probability). Generally, the Site has a very low risk of surface water flooding; however, some areas have a low, medium or high risk of surface water flooding as summarised below:
• a flow path is located in the western part of the Site which flows in a westerly direction towards the River Thames;
• a flow path is located in the centre of the Site which flows in a northerly direction towards the northern boundary of the Site and into the Watercourse 1 along the northern boundary of the Site;
• a flow path is located along the northern boundary, where the extent appears to be interlinked with fluvial flooding of the Watercourse 1 along the northern boundary; and
• an area of isolated ponding in the south-eastern corner of the Site appears in the vicinity of the Watercourse 3 along the southern boundary.
However, the solar panels would be elevated on framework 0.8 m above ground level, and, therefore, would not impede any surface water flow paths or displace any ponding of surface water. The substation and batter storage area have been located in an area not at risk of surface water flooding.
Surface Water Drainage
Solar Arrays
It is not considered necessary to provide Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for the proposed solar panel arrays. Cook and McCuen (2013) used modelling to demonstrate that solar panels do not have a significant effect on runoff volumes, peaks or time to peak if grass cover is well maintained underneath panels and between rows. The report also notes that although the panels could concentrate runoff onto the ground, this only has the potential to cause erosion if it falls directly onto bare ground or a gravel surface. On this basis, it concluded that solar farms only significantly change the hydrologic response if gravel is placed under panels or if patchy or bare ground is created between rows.
The Cook and McCuen (2013) study notes that grass cover can deteriorate if it is not sufficiently maintained or if it is eroded by vehicle traffic. As such, it is recommended that the grass cover is well maintained underneath panels and between rows to avoid patchy grass or bare ground. It is understood that the Site will be permanently vegetated, and it is recommended that grass is inspected and maintained at least twice a year, which is considered an appropriate level of mitigation.
It is recommended that during maintenance, any patchy grass or bare ground is re-seeded. During construction it is recommended that vegetation disturbance should be minimised as much as possible and any bare ground resulting from construction should be re-seeded.
This position is also supported by research undertaken by Wallingford HydroSolutions3 (an industry leading consultancy which often advises the EA) and is stated in BRE’s planning guidance for large scale solar farms.
Other Areas (roads and containers)
All proposed roads and tracks will be constructed of a permeable material (e.g. gravel); therefore, there would be no increased runoff from these areas.
3 https://www.hydrosolutions.co.uk/2017/12/11/here-comes-the-sun/ Battery storage areas and sub-stations will be located in storage containers or cabins raised on legs above a 300 mm sub-base formed of permeable material (i.e. gravel). The permeable sub-base would receive surface water runoff from the containers or cabins and would promote infiltration to the ground. This will mimic the existing greenfield surface water runoff arising from the Site and ensure that runoff rates are not increased post-development.
Any buildings that cannot be raised on legs above a permeable sub-base (i.e. buildings on concrete slabs or other impermeable areas) will be dealt with through the use of SuDS to provide sufficient storage for all events up to and including the 1 in 100 year event with climate change. Surface water from impermeable areas would either discharge to the ground via infiltration (which will be determined by infiltration testing) or discharge to a watercourse at greenfield rates.
The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) will be consulted to confirm the surface water drainage approach; however, based on the above mitigation it is concluded that the Proposed Development will not increase flood risk to the Site itself or elsewhere.
Planning Policy Considerations
Table 2 of the PPG sets out a schedule of land uses based on their vulnerability or sensitivity to flooding. Solar farms are considered as being ‘less vulnerable’ to flooding. Referring to Table 3 of the NPPF PPG, ‘less vulnerable’ land uses are considered appropriate in Flood Zone 1.
Other Considerations
An appropriate buffer will be provided from the top of the bank of the watercourses in order to ensure access for maintenance and to provide a wildlife corridor. The buffer zone must be ‘undisturbed’ by development including fences, footpaths and formal landscaping.
The buffer to ‘ordinary watercourses’ is likely to be 6 m unless agreed otherwise with the Council.
The access/egress route for the Site is located within Flood Zone 1 as is much of the surrounding area. On this basis, it is concluded that future personnel, who will only be on-site during the construction phase of the Proposed Development and for occasional maintenance visits once construction has been completed, would be safe during the design flood event for the operational lifetime of the development
Summary
The key points of this flood risk screening appraisal are as follows:
• the Site is located within Flood Zone 1 (low risk) and is considered to be located within Flood Zone 1 for the lifetime of the development;
• the SFRA indicates that ‘between 50% and 75% of one of the 1 km squares that the site is located within is susceptible to groundwater emergence’. However, any groundwater flooding is likely to be shallow and would not adversely affect the Proposed Development;
• the SFRA indicated that the Site lies within a postcode area with 8 records of Thames Water sewer flooding. No further details are given on the location or extent of these records and, given that only a small number of incidents are recorded over a large postcode area and the Proposed Development does not require a sewer connection, the Site is not considered to be at a significant risk of flooding from sewer flooding;
• the majority of the Site has a very low surface water flood risk with some areas of low to high surface water flood risk associated with watercourses and isolated ponding. However, the solar panels would be elevated on framework 0.8 m above ground level and, therefore, would not impede any surface water flow paths or displace any ponding of surface water; • it is not considered necessary to provide SuDS for the proposed solar panel arrays. Cook and McCuen (2013) demonstrated that solar panels do not have a significant effect on runoff volumes, peaks or time to peak if grass cover is well maintained underneath panels and between rows. Therefore, it is proposed to maintain the grass cover to prevent areas of bare ground and erosion occurring;
• all proposed roads and tracks will be constructed of a permeable material (e.g. gravel); therefore, there would be no increased runoff from these areas. Battery storage and sub-stations will be located in storage containers or cabins raised on legs above a 300 mm sub-base formed of permeable material (i.e. gravel);
• an appropriate buffer will be provided from the top of the bank of the watercourses in order to allow access for maintenance;
• ‘less vulnerable’ land uses, such as the proposed solar farm, are considered appropriate in Flood Zone 1; and
• the access/egress route for the Site is located within Flood Zone 1 as is the surrounding area. On this basis, it is concluded that future occupants of the development would be safe during the design flood event for the operational lifetime of the development. I trust that the enclosed information is helpful. Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you have any further questions or if you require any further input from ourselves.
Yours sincerely
Nick Yeo Senior Consultant
Encs: Figure 1: Site Location Plan Figure 2: Watercourse Plan Figure 3: EA’s Flood Map for Planning Figure 4: EA’s Surface Water Flood Map Appendix A: Illustrative Layout
Figures
Key Application Site
Figure 1: Site Location Plan
Client: Cowley Baldon Green Limited
Project: Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage
Project No.: C2070
Drawn: Checked: Date: Scale: Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. RT NY 30/04/2020 1:8,000@A3 Key Application Site Watercourse
Watercourse 1
Watercourse 2
Figure 2: Watercourse Plan
Client: Cowley Baldon Green Limited
Project: Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage Watercourse 3 Project No.: C2070
Drawn: Checked: Date: Scale: Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. RT NY 30/04/2020 1:8,000@A3 Key Application Site Flood Zone 2 Flood Zone 3
Figure 3: EA's Flood Map for Planning
Client: Cowley Baldon Green Limited
Project: Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage
Project No.: C2070
Drawn: Checked: Date: Scale: Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. RT NY 30/04/2020 1:8,000@A3 Key Application Site Low Surface Water Flood Risk Medium Surface Water Flood Risk High Surface Water Flood Risk
Figure 4: EA's Surface Water Flood Map
Client: Cowley Baldon Green Limited
Project: Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage
Project No.: C2070
Drawn: Checked: Date: Scale: Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. RT NY 30/04/2020 1:6,000@A3
Appendix A: Illustrative Layout
Site Access
REV. DSGD DATE MODIFICATION PROJECT NAME: Cowley Site Boundary Transformer Station Grid Connection Cable DRAWING TITLE: PV Module Route Aardvark EM Limited Master Plan Higher Ford Wiveliscombe Proposed Planting Taunton Somerset TA4 2RL Perimeter Fence Tel: 01984 624989 DRAWING No: REVISION: Fax: 01984 623912 Overhead Lines 2013/D002 v.a [email protected] www.aardvarkem.co.uk Footpath SCALE: FORMAT: DATE: * This document is exclusive property of Aardvark EM Limited. Copying, reproduction or disclosure to third parties is Inverter Station prohibited without written permission of Aardvark EM Limited and in case of infringement, Aardvark EM Limited seek 1:2500 A0 12 Mar 2020 damages for breach of statutory or contractual obligations.
Internal Road Drawn By: DP Checked By: RN File:\Z:\Data 2020\2013 Enso Green Holdings - Cowley\Data & Drawings\CAD\2013-D002-Cowley.dwg Cowley Baldon Solar Farm and Battery Storage - EIA Screening Request
Appendix 8: Preliminary Assessment of Traffic and Access Impacts Report
Aardvark EM Limited April 2020
Page 41 Cowley Baldon Green Limited
Nineveh Solar Farm and Battery Storage Facility at Nuneham Courtenay, Oxford
Project Reference: 2002-069/TN/01
Technical Note No. 1: EIA Screening – Transport and Access
1 Introduction
1.1 Transport Planning Associates (TPA) has been appointed by Cowley Baldon Green Limited (the ‘Applicant’) to provide transport planning advice in relation to its proposal for a solar farm and battery storage facility (the ‘Proposed Development’) on land to the west of the A4074, south of Cowley, Oxfordshire (the ‘Site’).
1.2 This technical note provides the Transport and Access input into the wider EIA Screening request.
2 Development Proposals
2.1 The Proposed Development comprises the construction, operation, management and decommissioning of a grid connected solar farm with battery storage and associated infrastructure (“the generating station”). The generating station would have an export capacity of up to 49.9MW.
3 Legislative and Policy Framework
3.1 This note has been prepared with consideration to “Guidance on Transport Assessments”, prepared by the Department for Transport (DfT) in March 2007 (which is now archived but still considered relevant), “Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment for Road Traffic”, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), Highways England.
3.2 The proposals have also been considered in the context of the following documents:
National Planning Policy Framework (2019); National Planning Practice Guidelines (2019); South Oxfordshire District Council Core Strategy (2012); and
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Oxfordshire County Council Local Transport Plan (2015-2031).
3.3 Paragraph 4.2 of the South Oxfordshire District Council Core Strategy (2012) states that the Council will “…need to support renewable energy generation…” and Policy CSQ1 states that “Proposals for the development for the generation of energy from renewable resources will be permitted provided any adverse impact on the landscape, heritage and biodiversity of an area, traffic generation or the amenities of local communities is outweighed by the wider environmental, social, economic or other benefits.”
4 Transport and Access
Baseline Conditions
4.1 Vehicular access to the site, both during the construction and operational phase, will be made via an existing agricultural access on the A4074.
4.2 In the vicinity of the Site, the A4074 comprises a single carriageway two-way road, measuring approximately 8.5m in width. The road is subject to a 50mph speed limit.
Construction Phase
4.3 In transport and access terms, the effects of the construction phase will be more significant compared to the operational phase, which is not expected to generate any significant traffic movements.
Construction Phase Traffic Flows
4.4 The applicant has advised that the construction period will take approximately 30 weeks. Construction activities and deliveries will be carried out Monday to Friday 08:00-18:00 and between 08:00 and 13:30 on Saturdays. No construction activities or deliveries will occur on Sundays or Public Holidays. Where possible, construction deliveries will be coordinated to avoid construction vehicle movements during the traditional AM peak hour (08:00-09:00) and PM peak hour (17:00-18:00).
4.5 The construction period will include the use of HGVs to bring the equipment onto the Site and this will be strictly managed to ensure that vehicle movement is controlled and kept to a minimum.
4.6 All construction vehicles will enter and exit the Site via the existing farm access junction on the A4074. Banksman will be provided at the junction to ensure the safe manoeuvre of vehicles. All vehicles will access the A4074 from the A34 via the Southern By-Pass Road and Eastern By-Pass Road, which are part of the Strategic Road Network.
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4.7 The number of construction vehicles anticipated to access the Site during the construction phase is shown in Table 4.1 below.
Table 4.1 Heavy Goods Vehicle Movements – Construction Period
Activity Type of Vehicle Total Number of Deliveries
Solar Farm
Solar Modules & Mounting Structures Max 16.5 Articulated 420 (840 two-way movements)
Inverters/Transformers 10m Rigid 16 (32 two-way movements)
10m Rigid and 16.5m Substation 4 (8 two-way movements) Articulated
Internal Access Tracks 10m Rigid 310 (620 two-way movements)
Front End JCB by low General 5 (10 two-way movements) loader
Other (sand, gravel, waste etc) Max 16.5 Articulated 310 (620 two-way movements)
Battery Storage
Battery Modules (up to 49.9 MW) Max 16.5m Articulated 50 (100 two-way movements)
General Deliveries (cables, fencing 16.5m Articulated or 75 (136 two-way movements) etc.) 10m Rigid
Contractor’s Compound 16.5m Articulated 6 (12 two-way movements)
1,196 deliveries (average of 8 Total deliveries per day or 16 two way movements per day)*
* Deliveries taking place over a 30 week period (150 working days, excluding Saturdays to be robust)
4.8 Based on the information provided in Table 4.1, it is expected that there will be approximately eight HGVs accessing the Site per day on average over the construction period.
4.9 In addition, approximately 60 to 70 construction workers are anticipated to be required during an average day. During peak construction, this would increase for a short period of time. The location of where staff will travel from is unknown at this stage as it will depend on the appointed contractor. However, it is envisaged that the majority of non-local workforce will stay at local accommodation and be transported to the Site by minibuses to minimise the effect on the strategic and local highway network. Workers will arrive outside of the highway network peak hours to minimise their impact.
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Construction Phase Mitigation: Construction Traffic Management Plan
4.10 A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be implemented during the construction phase of the Proposed Development. The aim of the CTMP is to minimise the effect of the construction phase on the highway network. It will contain all of the required information for the construction phase, as well as package of agreed mitigation measures.
Significance of Effects: Construction Phase
4.11 The rules set out in the IEMA Guidelines states that further assessment is required where traffic flows/HGVs increase by more than 30%. The addition of eight HGVs to the highway network, in addition to a small number of worker trips over a daily period is unlikely to exceed this threshold. Therefore, there will not be a significant environmental effect as a result of construction vehicle traffic.
4.12 It is also important to note that, during the construction phase, the effects assessed are temporary (short to medium term) and not permanent, and this affects the significance attached to them.
4.13 In light of the above, all environmental effects in relation to transportation for the construction phases are considered to be temporary and negligible.
Operational Phase
Operational Phase Traffic Flows
4.14 There are anticipated to be one or two vehicle visits to the site per month for maintenance. These would typically be made by a light van or a 4x4 type vehicle.
Significance of Effects: Operational Phase
4.15 As there will only be one or two vehicle visit for maintenance per month, it is considered that the effects of the operational phase in terms of transportation will be negligible. The cumulative effect is therefore also considered to be negligible
Decommissioning Phase
Decommissioning Phase Traffic Flows
4.16 The equipment of the solar park will have a lifetime of approximately 35 years, upon which they will be replaced. The number of vehicles associated with the decommissioning phase will not exceed the number set out for the construction phase, as shown in Table 4.1.
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Significance of Effects: Decommissioning Phase
4.17 As the number of vehicles associated with the decommissioning phase will not exceed the number set out for the construction phase, environmental effects in relation to transportation for the decommissioning phases are considered to be negligible. The effects will also be temporary (short to medium term) and not permanent.
5 Summary
5.1 This technical note provides the Transport and Access input into the wider EIA Screening request in relation to the proposed Solar Farm and Battery Storage Facility near Cowley, Oxfordshire.
5.2 The technical note sets out the significance of effects for the construction, operational and decommissioning phases. The effects will be as follows:
Construction Phase – Temporary and negligible; Operational Phase – Negligible; and Decommissioning Phase - Temporary and negligible.
5.3 In light of the information set out in this technical note, it is concluded that the likely transport and access impacts associated with the Proposed Development can be fully mitigated such this it is unlikely to result in a significant adverse effect on traffic.
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