DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
WEST SUSSEX COUNCIL
FORMER WESTHAMPNETT LANDFILL SITE,
WESTHAMPNETT
DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
On behalf of: West Sussex Council
In respect of: Former Westhampnett Landfill Site, Westhampnett Date: September 2016
Reference: GH/2444CA/R0002 Author: Gareth Hooper
DPP Planning
66 Porchester Road London
W2 6ET
Tel: 0207 706 6290 E-mail [email protected] www.dppukltd.com
CARDIFF LEEDS LONDON MANCHESTER NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ... 4
2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION ... 5
3.0 HOW SOLAR ENERGY WORKS ... 7
4.0 THE APPLICATION PROPOSAL ... 8
5.0 ACCESS CONSIDERATIONS/CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ... 9
6.0 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ...11
7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ...13
8.0 GLINT AND GLARE ...14
9.0 CONCLUSIONS ...15
Former Westhampnett Landfill Site, Westhampnett 4
1.0 Introduction
1.1 This Design and Access Statement has been prepared on behalf of the West Sussex Council in support of a planning application for the installation of a solar farm at the former Westhampnett landfill site, Westhampnett.
2.0 Site Description
2.1 The application site comprises a single field extending to approximately 15.88 Ha. The application site is located just outside the settlement boundary of the village of Westhampnett, approximately 2 miles east of Chichester city centre. The application site boundary is shown on the plan below:
2.2 The application site comprises the former Westhampnett landfill, located at Coach Road, Westhampnett.
2.3 The site was formerly a gravel works, but was used as a waste fill site from 1970. The site, which was operated by Chichester District Council, stopped accepting waste in 1983, although it was then re-opened between 1988 and 1991 to accept further waste, being finally restored in 1995 using material excavated from the A27 Westhampnett by-pass.
2.4 The site has a passive gas system, using a collection of 53 vent stacks. A series of 54 gas monitoring boreholes have been installed around the perimeter of the site to monitor any gas migration.
Former Westhampnett Landfill Site, Westhampnett 6
2.5 In autumn 2003, a groundwater treatment plant was constructed, located on the other side of the A27. This manages any contaminated groundwater produced by the landfill site. The on-site treatment plant aerates the collected liquid, which then passes through a reed bed system. This is then discharged into the flooded gravel pit operated under a discharge consent from the Environment Agency.
2.6 The site was re-profiled in 2006 and was predominantly cattle grazed until 2011 and then sheep grazed during spring 2016. Since then the site has not been used.
2.7 To the north, the site is bounded by existing properties within the village of West Hampnett, as well as land currently being developed for approximately 100 houses by Bellway Homes. To the south, the site is bounded by the A27 (Arundel Road), although no access is provided onto this from the site.
2.8 The site is raised above the A27 and is shielded from the road by the existing hedgerow, as such, the site will not be visible from the highway. To the west, the site is bounded by Coach Road and Chichester Water Sports Centre and boating lake, whilst to the east the site is bounded by Dairy Lane, with greenfield land beyond this.
2.9 The site is currently managed grassland, and is considered “non-agricultural land”. There is small section of concrete located on the western boundary of the site, associated with the existing access from Coach Road.
3.0 How Solar Energy Works
3.1 Prior to outlining the application proposals, it is important to understand how solar energy works.
3.2 PV solar panels produce electricity through a process called the photoelectric effect, which is the principle that certain materials produce a small electric current when you expose them to light.
Below is a simplified overview of this process.]
3.3 Solar cells are devices which can convert sunlight into electricity. Several cells connected together and fixed in a frame make a solar panel (or a module), which can produce a larger useful amount of power. When several panels are connected together it is called a solar array.
3.4 Inside a solar cell there are two wafer-thin layers of silicon crystal, placed on top of each other. The top layer has been specially treated so that its atoms are unstable. The bottom layer has also been treated, but the atoms have capacity to accommodate more electrons. The movement of electrons between the top layer and bottom layer generates electricity. To do this the solar panel needs to be exposed to sunlight.
3.5 When sunlight hits the top silicon layer, it ‘energises’ the electrons, enabling them to move. The electrons begin to flow from the top layer to the bottom generating electricity. Metal contacts in the cell create a circuit which enables the electricity to be exported.
3.6 The electricity generated by PV solar cells is DC (direct current), as such; this needs to be converted to AC (alternating current) before it can be used. The solar panels do this by passing the electricity through an inverter.
3.7 Solar schemes can use the electricity in a number of ways. They can either produce electricity which can be used on-site or, alternatively, the electricity generated can be fed into the national grid to be used across the entire UK. The connection from the solar scheme to the national grid is via a
‘grid connection’ which is managed to the relevant DNO (Distribution Network Operator).
3.8 Crucially, it is not necessary for the sun to shine for solar panels to generate electricity. The photoelectric effect relies on light not heat from the sun. As such, whilst panels produce more power on a sunny day, but they will still produce some energy on a cloudy day.
Former Westhampnett Landfill Site, Westhampnett 8
4.0 The Application Proposal
4.1 The application proposal comprises a solar farm capable of generating approximately 7.5MW 4.2 The proposal comprises 28,098 photovoltaic modules. Each module is 1.658m by 0.992m The PV
panels will be mounted on a steel framework supporting structure which will sit on top of the ground rather than being driven into it.
4.3 Each array will contain 3 photovoltaic modules in portrait. The maximum height of each array will be the rear which will extend to 2.730m. each array will be orientated at a 20-degree angle, making the front of the array a maximum of 0.984m from the ground.
4.4 The application proposes four transformer buildings located in the centre of the site. It also proposed a DNO (Distribution Network Operator) building, which will be located adjacent to the existing hardstanding to the east of the site.
4.5 Four energy storage containers are proposed, which will be located adjacent to the existing hardstanding to the east of the site. A switchgear container will also be located with these.
4.6 The existing wire mesh fencing surrounding the site is considered sufficient for the site, and as such will be retained as part of this proposal.
4.7 The application site will be also monitored by 10 pole mounted CCTV cameras. The poles will be 4.05m in height. The cameras can be locked into the position to ensure they only view the site.
They are also infra-red meaning that no on-site lighting is necessary.
4.8 Permanent access into the site will be afforded via the existing access along the western boundary.
A permanent access road will be provided from the site entrance to the transformer building and DNO building to enable servicing and maintenance. This access road will be used by for monitoring and maintenance of the development. This will be undertaken by the Distribution Network Operator and a maintenance contractor, both of whom will use small vehicles.
4.9 A temporary construction compound will be set up on the existing hardstanding on the western side of the site. Once constructed, this compound will be removed.
5.0 Access Considerations/Construction Management
5.1 For safety and security reasons, the site will not be accessible to the general public. The existing wire mesh fencing surrounding the site will be retained. As such, the only access considerations of relevance are those relating to the construction of the proposal and the on-going maintenance.
These issues are considered in more detail in the accompanying Transport Statement prepared by WSP, however we set out below an overview of the access issues:
5.2 During both the construction and operational phase the site would be accessed via Coach Road which runs adjacent to the west of the site. West Sussex County Council has a right of access over this route, whereby there are no constraints on use. This location provides the most direct and appropriate point of access to the site.
5.3 The access point is already in existence and is capable of accommodating large vehicles in and out of the site and thus minimal works will be required. Immediately within the access to the site there is an existing compound area measuring approximately 12m x 97m with a larger turning space at the southern end.
5.4 The maximum size vehicle permitted to use the access to the site will be a 10 tonne twin axle flatbed lorry which will be able to turn within the sites compound area and leave the site.
5.5 As the access point to the site is already functional the visibility is good and is enhanced by the low traffic levels owing to Church Road being a no-through road. Access to Westhampnett Household Waste and Recycling Site being located approximately 46m north of the site and therefore vehicles entering and leaving the development site will only realistically have to navigate with traffic from Chichester Watersports Centre and vehicles performing a u-turn manoeuvre at the south of Coach Road.
5.6 The existing hardstanding area located on the west of the site will be utilised to provide space to manage the various elements of the solar farm and provide a sufficient parking allocation of 3 loading bays for construction vehicles accessing the site. Once complete, this area will act as a service yard by maintenance vehicles.
5.7 Construction traffic and HGVs to and from the site will be routed from the A27. The detailed route to the development site is as follows:
Depart the Chichester Bypass / A27 / A285 roundabout on the northern exit
Continue on the Chichester Bypass
Take the eastern exit at the Madgwick Lane / Stane Street / Chichester Bypass Westhampton Road roundabout.
Continue along Stane Street
Turn right onto Coach Road
Continue south onto Coach Road
Former Westhampnett Landfill Site, Westhampnett 10
5.8 The proposed access route is already suitable for large HGVs accessing the site and it is therefore considered that the proposed development will have a negligible impact upon the operation of the surrounding highway network and no modelling or assessment of surrounding junctions is required.
6.0 Design Considerations
Amount
6.1 The application proposal comprises a solar farm capable of generating approximately 7.5MW.
6.2 The proposal comprises 28,098 photovoltaic modules. Each module is 1.658m by 0.992m The PV panels will be mounted on a steel framework supporting structure which will sit on top of the ground rather than being driven into it.
6.3 Each array will contain 3 photovoltaic modules in portrait. The maximum height of each array will be the rear which will extend to 2.730m. each array will be orientated at a 20-degree angle, making the front of the array a maximum of 0.984m from the ground.
Layout
6.4 The layout of the proposal has been designed to reflect the constraints of the site and maximise the energy generated. The layout has also been determined by the need to
6.5 The PV Panels will be arranged in rows and the front of each row will be 9.5m apart to allow access for maintenance personnel.
Scale
6.6 The proposed PV panels will be ground-mounted on angled racks with a maximum height of 2.730 metres.
6.7 The maximum height of the CCTV poles will be 4.005m.
6.8 The Transformer Containers are 2.505m high by 6.10m long by 3.5m wide.
6.9 The Switchgear Container is 2.6m high by 4.5m long by 3.55m wide.
6.10 The Substations are 3.3m high by 6.050m long by 2.435m wide.
6.11 The Battery Storage Containers are 2.59m high by 12.19m long by 2.44m wide.
6.12 The Battery Switchgear Container is 2.59m high by 6.06m long by 2.43m wide.
6.13 The extent of any visual impact will be mitigated by the topography of the site and the low profile of the development. Moreover, the panels will be screened by existing hedgerows together with the additional landscape mitigation being provided as part of the proposals.
Former Westhampnett Landfill Site, Westhampnett 12
Appearance
6.14 The proposed PV panels will be dark blue/black in colour and incorporate anti-reflective coating to maximise the light capture of solar cells. PV panels, therefore, have a low level of reflectivity when compared to surfaces such as glass, water or snow and should not raise any concerns in terms of glint and glare.
6.15 The switchgear, transformer, substation, Battery Storage Containers and Battery Storage Switchgear are all proposed to be coloured green to maximise their integration in to the landscape.
6.16 The enclosed Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment demonstrates that the proposed development will only have a minimal impact upon landscape character and visual amenity.
Landscaping
6.17 The site is currently afforded a high level of containment due to variations in topography and existing landscaping.
6.18 The proposal has been carefully designed to include the retention of all vegetation structures around the site and its boundaries. In addition, the existing boundaries of the site will be enhanced through additional strategic planting of native species. This will further reduce the visibility of the site from the surrounding area.
Safety and Security
6.19 The site is already enclosed by a wire mesh fence, which will be retained by the proposals. Such fencing is robust and visually permeable, thereby maximising site security whilst minimising visual impact.
6.20 The site will be monitored by twenty 4m high pole mounted CCTV cameras. These cameras will feed back images to a remote control centre who ensure that the site is secure. The cameras will use passive infra-red technology. As such, it will not be necessary to flood-light the site at night.
The camera poles along the northern boundary of the site will be ‘locked’ to ensure they only look out over the applications site and not adjoining residential properties.
7.0 Environmental Sustainability
7.1 When fully operational, the proposed installation will generate up to 7.5MW. The proposals will, therefore, provide a source of clean, renewable and sustainable electricity which will help to meet the Government’s target of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
7.2 All of the development proposed is removable and the site can be fully restored to its current form.
Former Westhampnett Landfill Site, Westhampnett 14
8.0 Glint and Glare
8.1 There is a common misconception that solar farms will result in ‘glint and glare’. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that the risk of light being reflected from solar PV modules is insignificant.
8.2 Solar cells are designed to absorb light not reflect it. This was demonstrated through a globally study by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States of America. This study examined the risk of glint and glare impacting on pilots and concluded that “evidence suggests that either significant glare is not occurring during times of operation or if glare is occurring, it is not a negative effect and a minor is part of the landscape to which pilots and tower personnel are exposed”.
8.3 This fact is best demonstrated by the increasing emergence of solar panels at airports, including Newquay and Munich. Indeed, a solar scheme on the flight path into the Nellis Airbase in Nevada was subjected to detailed glare analysis and the conclusion was that the worst possible case there was a slight potential for an “after image or flash glare” which was similar to the risk from reflections from water and less than that from snow or white concrete.
8.4 The chart below sets out the percentage of sunlight reflected by a number of surfaces. This shows that reflection from water, glass buildings and car parks is in fact more significant than from similar areas of solar PV. On this basis, we contend that glint and glare will not be an issue:
9.0 Conclusions
9.1 This Statement demonstrates that the layout, scale and appearance of the proposed development is sensitive to the site and surrounding area.
9.2 In terms of environmental sustainability, the proposed development will provide a clean, renewable and sustainable form of electricity which will help to meet the Government’s target of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
9.3 The design of the proposed development maximises the energy generated whilst reflecting local constraints. The level of development and design is considered appropriate for the site and the surrounding area.
9.4 Having considered the existing site and surrounding area, the scale and design of the proposals are considered appropriate. Moreover, the site is easily accessible which will minimise disturbance during the construction phase of development.
9.5 In conclusion, this Statement demonstrates that the principles of sustainability, design and access have been considered from the outset and the proposal will result in significant environmental benefits.
