OSGODBY SOLAR FARM

PUBLIC CONSULTATION | SPRING 2021

BOOM-POWER.CO.UK

NORTH DUFFIELD INTRODUCTION. NETHERTON

Boom Power is presenting its proposal for a solar farm on the land located North-East of Osgodby ROAD and North-West of Cliffe Common at the postcode YO8 5HR. The proposed development is on an area of approximately 166 acres of agricultural land understood to be classified as grade 3, detailed surveys to ascertain the true quality of the land are being carried out.

The project could have a generating capacity of 49.9 megawatts for distribution to the national grid. This is equivalent to the annual electrical needs of approximately 15,900 family homes

across North . The anticipated CO2 displacement is around 24,400 tonnes per year, which represents an emission saving equivalent of a reduction in 7,800 cars on the road every year. It is important to note that this project is non subsidised, therefore requires no government funding.

WHY HERE?

The site has been carefully selected as part of a detailed feasibility process. Consideration has been given to a number of things including; grid capacity, solar irradiation, environmental designations, cultural heritage, ecology, biodiversity, flood risk and agricultural quality. MENTHORPE Technical studies are still being conducted to ensureB6117 that this site is most appropriate for a solar installation.

Indicates designated ecological habitat area OSGODBY CLIFFE COMMON BENEFITS OF OSGODBY SOLAR FARM. 24,400 TONNES OF CO PREVENTED PER YEAR* The main benefits of the development proposed are summarised below. 2

It will assist Compared to arable farming, a solar The anticipated construction period Council to reduce greenhouse farm can provide the land with will be approximately 6 months. gas emissions to align with local, multiple usage. Solar farms can HGV routing is still being considered, national and international targets. support a biodiversity net gain however, we will always seek to 15,900 by providing an overall increase avoid small, local villages. FAMILY HOMES POWERED PER YEAR* It will support Selby District in natural habitat and ecological Council’s aim to be carbon features which will allow flora No existing public rights of way neutral before 2050 - exploring the and fauna to actively thrive. (Visit will be impacted or changed. economic potential of a M62 low solarenergyuk.org/solar-energy). carbon energy corridor. A solar farm allows agricultural land 1,164,000 This is a temporary development, to rest for the period of operation to TREE’S OFFSET PER YEAR* The project will contribute to the after which the land will be returned yield real wildlife benefits. UK’s urgent need to transition to a to greenfield for agricultural use. low carbon future by producing Boom Power is committed to using renewable energy to provide the grid A solar farm has an average life local suppliers during and post with greater stability and security. span of 35-40 years. construction where possible. 7,800 CAR REDUCTION PER YEAR* * Statistics shown are equivalent values based on the potential energy produced from the proposed Osgodby Solar Farm development. DESIGN. NET ZERO BY 2050.

The proposed development According to the UN, climate change is the ‘defining crisis of our time and it is happening even more will use bi-facial solar quickly than we feared’. We have to create more renewable energy. modules. Bi-facial modules absorb sunlight from both The UK Government has commited to reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least sides as opposed to just one. 68 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Therefore, they can convert the light that is reflected In addition to this, the Government had made a legal commitment to cut carbon emissions to net zero behind the panel to increase by 2050. This will require a rapid and expanded deployment of low carbon power, including solar. the total energy production. BIODIVERSITY. There is little to no noise emitted from a solar farm. Boom Power recognises the importance of environmental protection and is committed to operating Inverters are housed in a sustainably and responsibly. We seek and implement independent ecologist advice to allow natural weather proof IP65 housing habitats for a range of invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles and birds to truly flourish. Wild flower and would be inaudible meadows around the external fencing, low intensity sheep grazing, bird boxes and log piles are just a within one meter of the few examples of installations that aid towards a biodiversity net gain. inverter.

The greatest biodiversity benefits will be gained where fertilizer and pesticide use are minimised or Right: Evolving concept design for Osgodby Solar Farm (not to scale). eliminated totally. This will enable flora and invertebrate diversity to actively thrive. ABOUT US.

Boom Power has experience combining world class technology with industry leading expertise to deliver international solar infrastructure projects. Our ambition is underpinned by the formation of long-standing partnerships with one primary objective - to work in balance with nature to harvest our energy sustainably, shaping the world for future generations. 726 450,000 856 950,000 MEGAWATTS CONSTRUCTED AVG HOMES POWERED PER YEAR MEGAWATTS DEVELOPED TONNES OF CO₂ PREVENTED PER YEAR

OUR MISSION.

Contribute towards a sustainable economy through the production of renewable energy Aid in the repair of our planet through our environmentally friendly and biodiverse approach Adopt the latest technologies to ensure we deliver pioneering projects Retain the ecological footprint of land post-development Build partnerships with like-minded people to jointly accelerate the reduction of our carbon footprint

Left: Grove Park Solar Farm which forms part of Boom Power’s construction legacy. Please note that this project does not fall under Boom Power’s ownership. OUR APPROACH DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS.

Boom Power agree with the Fill in the feedback form that accompanies this public consultation brochure. guidance issued by the UK This brochure contains the same information that would have been displayed at a Government’s Chief Planner, typical public consultation event. which emphasised that planning applications that positively impact the country Attend our public consultation webinar and Q&A session on Tuesday 18th May at HAVE YOUR SAY. and local communities must 7pm. This webinar will start with a ten minute presentation by the project team continue to come forward. where they will outline the draft proposal. Following this will be the Q&A session This brochure forms part of our pre-planning application process in which we are asking for your opinion where you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the on a proposed solar farm on the land located North-East of Osgodby and North-West of Cliffe Common at the In addition, Boom Power draft proposal to the project team members. Please note that the webinar will be postcode YO8 5HR. believes that it is vital that recorded and hosted on our public consultation website (below link) in case you local communities are able are unable to tune in live. To register your attendance please fill in the form found Please take your time to consider the information within this brochure and should you have further questions to see and shape planning on the public consultation website and you will receive an email with details on or matters you may want to clarify please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team. applications that may have how to join the public consultation webinar. an impact. We therefore invite We would be grateful if you could complete the feedback form and supply your contact details, both of which you to provide feedback on will be used for the purpose of informing the project design team and providing feedback to Selby District our draft proposals in the Visit the dedicated public consultation website boom-power.co.uk/osgodby here Council. following ways: you can find all information about our draft proposal which will be updated on a regular basis. FEEDBACK FORM.

To return your completed feedback form please tear from the brochure and post to us by Friday 28th May 2021 at the following postal address (please contact our team should you require a pre-paid envelope): Osgodby Solar Farm, C/O Pegasus Group, First Floor, South Wing, Equinox North, Great Park Road, Almondsbury, BS32 4QL. Alternatively, you can return your form via our independant email [email protected]

Title: Name: Address: Postcode: Email: Telephone:

Has this local resident brochure been helpful in understanding our proposal? Yes No Not sure

BOOM-POWER.CO.UK What is the most important issue to you about our proposal, where 1 is of highest importance and 9 is of the least important. Construction traffic Landscape impact Greenbelt impact +44 (0)1454 625 945 Increasing biodiversity Visual impact Loss of agricultural land Climate change Residential amenity impact Footpath impact [email protected] With regard to the proposals you have read about within this brochure, are you: Should you require this document in large print, audio or braille then please contact us at the details provided. In favour In objection Of no opinion We would welcome your feedback on all aspects of the emerging design shown in the brochure, such as: • Is a no build ecological area something you would like included within the design? • Is the opportunity for education boards to inform footpath users about solar energy and biodiversity benefits important?

Any other comments?

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. Your answers may be included as part of a consultation report submitted with our planning application to Selby District Council. It is important to note that we respect your privacy and all personal details including your name, address and contact details will remain anonymous.