How does Solar PV work?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most promising and popular form of solar energy. It works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move (or are dislodged), they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.
Benefits of Solar PV
Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 40-year lifetime of the development. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site. These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
Use of Agricultural Land
The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for horse farming. An Agricultural Land Classification will be performed but the Site is believed to be classified as mostly Grade 3 land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.
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Local & National Energy Targets
The Climate Change Act 2008 created a long-term framework for the current and successive Governments in the UK to ensure a reduction in UK greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
The Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 introduced further targets than those of the preceding Climate Change Act 2008, seeking to commit to become a net-zero society by 2050.
Carbon budgets were introduced in the UK under the 2008 Climate Change Act. Each carbon budget provides a five-year, statutory cap on total greenhouse gas emissions, which should not be exceeded, in order to meet the UK’s emission reduction commitments. The sixth such budget, imposed by the Carbon Budget Order 2021, covers the years 2033-2037. It sets the budget at 965 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is 78% in emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.
The National Planning Policy Framework states that the planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.
Objective 1 of the of the West Northamptonshire Council West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Local Plan (Part 1) seeks to encourage renewable energy production in appropriate locations. West Northamptonshire is preparing replacement local plan. Objective 1 of the Spatial Options Consultation document is to support the transition of West Northamptonshire to a net zero carbon area and deliver effective adaptation to and mitigation for the impacts of climate change by encouraging renewable and low-carbon energy production in appropriate locations. The West Northants Area Wide Emissions Baseline report informs and supports our communities, residents, and businesses in reducing their own emissions and will help us meet our commitment to achieve Net Zero West Northamptonshire emissions by 2045.
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How long will this consultation take place for?
This public consultation will run for two weeks with a subsequent day to allow for any additional feedback and an opportunity to address comments before the application submission. Once the application has been submitted to the local council, there will be a further opportunity to comment on the scheme.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can get in touch with our project development team to request further information. Contact details can be found here.
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Site Location
The site is located approximately 700mt east of the town of Brackley. The site is on agricultural land at Manor Farm, Mill Road, Whitfield, Brackley, Northamptonshire NN13 5TQ and is within the administrative boundary of West Northamptonshire Council.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 40.4 ha/ 99 acres
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.
Site Access
The site will be accessed for construction via the Mill Road on the east side of the land holding.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 12-16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 6 HGV movements (3 arrivals and 3 departures) per day. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 40-year operational period, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Manor Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
The solar development would have a capacity of approximately 30 MW.
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What equipment will be used on site?
The following components are proposed for this solar farm:
Solar Panels
The proposed solar farm will be made up, principally, of dark solar panels. Each panel is approximately 2 x 1m. The solar panels will be arranged in a series of rows up to a height of 3m at the highest point and tilted southwards at an angle of, typically, 10 – 25 degrees from horizontal.
Inverters
Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). There will be approximately 10 inverters on the site. The inverters are typically 7 m long x 2.5 m wide x 3 m high with a concrete base. To see photos of inverters, please visit the photos section.
Grid Connection
The proposed solar farm will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement of 2.3km to connect to the substation which is located North- West of the Site.
Access Track
A 4 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the compound.
Fencing
A 2.4m palisade security fence and double gates will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. Matching gates will be provided at key access points at the site.
CCTV
A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.
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Noise
Each inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A number of public rights of way traverse the perimeter of the site. One footpath runs directly through the middle of the site and the second footpaths is on the North-Easterly side of the site. The footpaths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way will not be affected.
A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development.
Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?
There is no significant increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required. The majority of the solar farm remains open grassland as the features are not altered in any way. The solar farm infrastructure does not affect runoff volumes, with the use of driplines along the face of panels evenly dispersing surface water across the underlying grounds. In addition, the panels are raised on a pre-fabricated framework on screw-driven legs, so only approximately 5% of the ground surface is utilised.
How does Solar PV work?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most promising and popular form of solar energy. It works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move (or are dislodged), they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.
Benefits of Solar PV
Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 40-year lifetime of the development. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site. These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
Use of Agricultural Land
The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for horse farming. An Agricultural Land Classification will be performed but the Site is believed to be classified as mostly Grade 3 land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.
CLOSE
Local & National Energy Targets
The Climate Change Act 2008 created a long-term framework for the current and successive Governments in the UK to ensure a reduction in UK greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
The Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 introduced further targets than those of the preceding Climate Change Act 2008, seeking to commit to become a net-zero society by 2050.
Carbon budgets were introduced in the UK under the 2008 Climate Change Act. Each carbon budget provides a five-year, statutory cap on total greenhouse gas emissions, which should not be exceeded, in order to meet the UK’s emission reduction commitments. The sixth such budget, imposed by the Carbon Budget Order 2021, covers the years 2033-2037. It sets the budget at 965 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is 78% in emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.
The National Planning Policy Framework states that the planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.
Objective 1 of the of the West Northamptonshire Council West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Local Plan (Part 1) seeks to encourage renewable energy production in appropriate locations. West Northamptonshire is preparing replacement local plan. Objective 1 of the Spatial Options Consultation document is to support the transition of West Northamptonshire to a net zero carbon area and deliver effective adaptation to and mitigation for the impacts of climate change by encouraging renewable and low-carbon energy production in appropriate locations. The West Northants Area Wide Emissions Baseline report informs and supports our communities, residents, and businesses in reducing their own emissions and will help us meet our commitment to achieve Net Zero West Northamptonshire emissions by 2045.
CLOSE
How long will this consultation take place for?
This public consultation will run for two weeks with a subsequent day to allow for any additional feedback and an opportunity to address comments before the application submission. Once the application has been submitted to the local council, there will be a further opportunity to comment on the scheme.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can get in touch with our project development team to request further information. Contact details can be found here.
CLOSE
Site Location
The site is located approximately 700mt east of the town of Brackley. The site is on agricultural land at Manor Farm, Mill Road, Whitfield, Brackley, Northamptonshire NN13 5TQ and is within the administrative boundary of West Northamptonshire Council.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 40.4 ha/ 99 acres
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.
Site Access
The site will be accessed for construction via the Mill Road on the east side of the land holding.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 12-16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 6 HGV movements (3 arrivals and 3 departures) per day. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 40-year operational period, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Manor Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
The solar development would have a capacity of approximately 30 MW.
CLOSE
What equipment will be used on site?
The following components are proposed for this solar farm:
Solar Panels
The proposed solar farm will be made up, principally, of dark solar panels. Each panel is approximately 2 x 1m. The solar panels will be arranged in a series of rows up to a height of 3m at the highest point and tilted southwards at an angle of, typically, 10 – 25 degrees from horizontal.
Inverters
Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). There will be approximately 10 inverters on the site. The inverters are typically 7 m long x 2.5 m wide x 3 m high with a concrete base. To see photos of inverters, please visit the photos section.
Grid Connection
The proposed solar farm will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement of 2.3km to connect to the substation which is located North- West of the Site.
Access Track
A 4 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the compound.
Fencing
A 2.4m palisade security fence and double gates will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. Matching gates will be provided at key access points at the site.
CCTV
A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.
CLOSE
Noise
Each inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A number of public rights of way traverse the perimeter of the site. One footpath runs directly through the middle of the site and the second footpaths is on the North-Easterly side of the site. The footpaths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way will not be affected.
A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development.
Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?
There is no significant increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required. The majority of the solar farm remains open grassland as the features are not altered in any way. The solar farm infrastructure does not affect runoff volumes, with the use of driplines along the face of panels evenly dispersing surface water across the underlying grounds. In addition, the panels are raised on a pre-fabricated framework on screw-driven legs, so only approximately 5% of the ground surface is utilised.