hawthorn pit solar farm design and access statement

Murton Solar Farm: Design and Access Statement

September 2021

Hawthorn Pit Solar Farm Design and Access Statement Applicant: Aura Power Developments Ltd

Date: September 2021

Murton Solar Farm: Design and Access Statement

September 2021

CONTENTS Contents

Supporting Planning Figures and Drawings .................................................................................. ii

Glossary of Terms .......................................................................................................................... ii

1. ....... Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4

1.1 Purpose and Content ...................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Context to the Development .......................................................................................... 5

2. ....... Design ................................................................................................................................. 7

2.1 Design Principles ............................................................................................................. 7

2.2 Site Description and Planning Policy .............................................................................. 9

2.3 Siting and Design Evolution of the Scheme .................................................................... 11

2.4 Scheme Design ................................................................................................................ 17

3. ....... Transport and Access .......................................................................................................... 22

3.1 Durham County Transport Policy .................................................................................... 22

3.2 Public Rights of Way ....................................................................................................... 24

Hawthorn Pit Solar Farm Design and Access Statement

September 2021 i

Document Control Sheet

Client Reference: UKS17 Murton

Dulas Ltd Reference: E05596

File Name E05596-REP-Murton Design and Access Statement-V1-20210920-MP-CF Comments-LR.docx

Client Details: Aura Power Developments Ltd.

Penthouse Office,

30 Queens Square,

Bristol. BS1 4ND

Version: V1 V2 V3

Prepared By: Lesley Rice

Reviewed By: Rachel Kennedy

Approved By: Michael Phillips

Date:

Status: Client review draft Pre-Submission copy Submission

Prepared by Dulas Ltd

Dyfi Eco Park

Machynlleth

Powys SY20 8AX

01654 705000

www.dulas.org.uk

Disclaimer

This report, and information or advice which it contains, is provided by Dulas Ltd solely for reliance by its Client in performance of Dulas Ltd.’s duties and liabilities under its contract with the client. Any advice, opinions or recommendations within this report should be read and relied upon only in the context of the reports as a whole. The advice and opinions in this report are based upon the information made available to Dulas Ltd at the date of this report and on current UK standards, codes, technology, and construction practices as at the date of this report and may be based on assumptions. Dulas Ltd has endeavoured to ensure that the information contained in this report is accurate. However, Dulas Ltd. accepts no liability for the use of this information.


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SUPPORTING PLANNING FIGURES AND DRAWINGS Figure 1: Site Location

Figure 2: Site Layout

Figure 3: Indicative Solar Panel Elevation

Figure 4: Indicative Transformer

Figure 5a: Substation - Compound Layout Plan

Figure 5b: Substation - Compound Layout Elevation

Figure 6: Indicative Spare Parts Container

Figure 7: Typical Cable Trench

Figure 8: Indicative Fence and Gate

Figure 9: Indicative CCTV

Figure 10: Indicative Track Cross-Section

Figure 11: Site Entrance and Visibility Splays

Figure 12: Indicative Hedge Gate

Figure 13: Public Rights of Way

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AC Alternating Current AOD Above Ordnance Datum BOAT Byway Open to All Traffic CABE Commission for Architecture and Built Environment CCC Committee on Climate Change CCTV Closed Circuit Television CDP County Durham Plan CO2 Carbon Dioxide DC Direct Current DAS Design and Access Statement ER Environmental Report GHG Greenhouse Gases GIS Geographical Information System GW Gigawatt – unit of power, 1000MW Ha Hectares IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change kW Kilowatt – unit of power, 1000 watts kWh Kilowatt hour – unit of energy output LDP Local Development Plan MW Megawatt – unit of power, 1000kW MWh Megawatt hour – unit of energy output NPPF National Planning Policy Framework


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PV Photovoltaic UK United Kingdom


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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose and Content

1.1.1 This Design & Access Statement (DAS) describes the design principles, concepts and access

issues that have been considered and applied to the proposed circa 49.9MW ground mount

solar scheme on land at Croup Hill, south of Deaconsyde Farm, Broadoaks, Murton (the

‘Site’), the location of which is shown in Figure 1: Site Location. The Applicant for the

proposal is Aura Power Developments Ltd (‘Aura Power’ / ‘the Applicant’).

1.1.2 This DAS is informed by the guidance presented in the Commission for Architecture and

Built Environment (CABE) guide Design and access statements (2007) and has paid heed to

Government guidance on the design process and tools in their online facility -

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/design.

1.1.3 Durham Council’s guidance in respect of Design and Access Statements is set out in their

published validation document guidance (July 2021), which advises as follows:

Statement to explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied

to the following aspects: amount, layout, scale, landscaping and appearance.

The access component should explain how the design ensures all users have

equal and convenient access. The statement may take a proportionate approach

based on the scale/sensitivity of the proposals.

1.1.4 This DAS is submitted to the determining authority to describe and explain the design and

access concepts and principles applied to the proposed development as advised in the

guidance above.

1.1.5 Accordingly, the DAS presents detailed information on the design approach applied to this

Development, in order to demonstrate that the Applicant and consultants have considered

the local environment, amenity and access in the formulation of this development

proposal. Through sequential testing of available areas against a range of environmental

factors the Applicant has sought to meet the requirements on design and environmental

protection set out in the policies of the County Durham Plan (CDP) 2020 and associated

supplementary guidance.


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1.2 Context to the Development

1.2.1 Clear, scientific evidence has established that global warming is driving climate change

across the planet. The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) established in

its Fifth Report on Climate Change1 that it is “unequivocal” that the earth’s climate is

warming due to human activity. The further 6th (ARC) report is due to be released in 2022

but an initial report Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis2 has been published

giving an up-to-date understanding of climate science. The IPCC has now confirmed that

man-made activities are responsible for rapid warming, which is now equivalent to 1.1

degrees centigrade of warming since 1850 – 1900. On current predictions, global

temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5 degrees centigrade of warming over the

next 20 years.

1.2.2 In acknowledgement of the crisis, the United Kingdom (UK) government became the first

international state to declare a climate emergency in May 2019, putting the government

on record in support of emergency action to reverse global warming. At this time the

Committee on Climate Change (CCC) published its report Net Zero: The UK’s contribution

to stopping global warming recommending a new emissions target for net-zero

greenhouse gases by 2050, which, among other measures, would entail the delivery of

further significant capacities of renewable energy to displace fossil fuel power production

and also electrify heat and transport. It was this report that precipitated UK Government

to pass a net zero emissions legal commitment by 2050. Subsequently in early 2020, UK

Government permitted the reintroduction of onshore renewables, including solar power,

into the Contracts for Difference energy market, marking the importance of renewable

power in securing the UK’s indigenous sources of decarbonised power generation. See the

Planning Statement submitted with the planning application for full details of the needs

case for new renewables capacity.

1.2.3 Solar power, in addition to wind, hydro and biomass, is a form of renewable energy that

can be deployed in very large volumes in order to displace fossil fuel use, and a number of

1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) (2013) – Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. IPCC. 2 IPCC Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis – Working Group I contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report.


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active developers in the UK are seeking permissions to build out new capacity. The

Applicant for the Hawthorn Pit solar farm scheme is Aura Power Developments Ltd, a

leading global developer of renewable energy projects headquartered in Bristol.

1.2.4 Aura Power has an active pipeline of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage

projects. Their operational projects include the Carlam Hill Solar Park near Hull, and battery

storage facilities in Lockleaze (North Bristol), Wolverhampton and Nevendon (Basildon).

The Applicant is able, therefore, to demonstrate experience in designing, constructing and

operating clean energy and storage schemes at large scale.

1.2.5 Aura Power identifies that large scale solar PV is now one of the most cost effective forms

of renewable energy, and in many countries is competitive with fossil fuels, even without

assistance from subsidies, as is the case with the UK. Solar PV is seen increasingly as an

important element of the world’s energy mix but despite its growth in recent years, 65% of

the world’s electricity is still produced from fossil fuels3 and electricity demand is set to

grow by 57% by 20504. Increasingly, electricity will be required for heating and transport

as fossil fuels diminish in use; this necessitates the requirement for considerable increases

in the deployment of new renewables, including solar PV, which is fundamental to meet

our carbon reduction commitments, increasing demand for power and to minimise further

depletion of the planet’s resources.

1.2.6 Aura Power is currently developing solar farms in Canada, Italy, Portugal, Republic of

Ireland, Spain, UK and the US, and is therefore contributing to global efforts to address the

climate crisis. Accordingly, Aura is currently seeking to acquire landholdings across the UK

that would contribute to its development pipeline, and the Hawthorn Pit site is one such

site that has suitable attributes for a large-scale solar farm in a location that does not

conflict with other land-use planning uses or designated protections, and which has

available grid capacity.

3 World Bank 2015 4 Bloomberg NEF, 2018


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2. DESIGN 2.1 Design Principles

2.1.1 Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are generally manufactured from silicon PV cells. These

are typically categorised into either monocrystalline or multi-crystalline modules. This

gives the panels a distinctive, shingled appearance. Most panels are in a rectangular format

for ease and efficiency of installation. Following is an illustration of a typical solar panel:

Plate 1: Typical Solar Panel

2.1.2 A solar panel (PV module or PV panel) is a packaged, interconnected assembly of solar cells,

also known as PV cells. The solar panel can be used as a component of a larger PV system

to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Because a

single solar panel can produce only a limited amount of power, large scale installations

contain many thousands of panels. The Hawthorn Pit scheme will use bifacial panels.

2.1.3 The final design of the module units, rows and arrays will depend on the final procurement

of modules and detailed design of the scheme. Typically, the individual panels are expected

to be arranged in module units comprising 3 panels in landscape or 2 panels in portrait

orientation, one above the other, by approx. 24 panels wide, joined together on mounting


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frames, with multiple module units connected to form rows or arrays. Each row would be

elevated above ground on the mounting frame, with the bottom (southern) edge at a

height of up to 0.7m above ground level and the top (northern) edge at a maximum height

of 3m. The module units are orientated southwards and will have an inclination/angle

varying between 10 and 25 degrees.

2.1.4 Metal mounting frames would be installed on piles across the Site, driven into the ground

at up to a depth of, typically, 1.5m using a hydraulic ram, although depths may differ slightly

depending on ground conditions. Following is an illustration of a typical metal mounting

system:

Plate 2: Standard Metal Mounting Frame and Tables

2.1.5 The mounting frames are usually fabricated from extruded aluminium, and the piles will be

galvanised steel.

2.1.6 A commercial solar farm installation will comprise multiple solar tables arranged in arrays

that are orientated in a southerly direction (in the UK) and tilted at a certain angle to

maximise their potential to absorb the sun’s rays. Multiple solar arrays are arranged as part

of the overall solar farm infrastructure, and the power output is directed through inverters


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into the local substation facility, whereby the generated renewable energy is exported to

the local distribution network. Such renewable energy generation and capacity reduces the

UK’s reliance on fossil fuel derived power generation and the associated contribution to

global warming and polluting emissions to the environment.

2.1.7 The principal design components, as shown on Figure 2 – Site Layout, for the Hawthorn Pit

solar farm scheme are:

Solar panels on fixed mounting frames (Figure 3);

Transformer units (Figure 4);

On-site substation (Figure 5a & b);

Spare parts containers (Figure 6);

Cable trenches and underground cabling (Figure 7);

Security fence (Figure 8) and CCTV (Figure 9);

Site tracks (Figure 10), new site entrance from private road and public rights of

way (Figure 11) and field entrances (Figure 12); and

Temporary site compound / delivery area (see Figure 2).

2.2 Site Description and Planning Policy

Characteristics of the Site and its Context

2.2.1 The Site is formed by several predominantly large-scale, open and sweeping agricultural

fields that broadly slope down to the south from Murton and then rise slightly further to

the south towards the existing electricity substation. Levels vary between 110m and 135m

Above Ordnance Datum (AOD).

2.2.2 Several electricity transmission lines radiate to/from the electricity substation or across the

site alongside local electricity distribution infrastructure, and there are a number of

footpaths and farm tracks in and adjoining the site. There is a single bridleway to the west

of the development area and National Cycle (Sustrans) Route outside the western

boundary which follows the route of an old railway line.


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2.2.3 The Site is predominantly used for arable and some pastoral grazing, and comprises mostly

Agricultural Land Classification Grade 3b land with some areas of Grade 2 land (see ALC

report dated May 2020).

2.2.4 The proposed site lies between Murton and South Hetton and to the east of Easington Lane

and incorporates Croup Hill. The site lies to the north of an electricity substation, north of

the former Hawthorn Colliery site and is in close proximity to the developing Jade Business

Park and Dalton Park retail development. A sports ground lies to the east.

2.2.5 In the wider context, the landscape is broadly an undulating landform, varying in height

between approximately 100m and 170m AOD, and within 5km of the site the highest

elevations are in the northwest, with generally lower elevations found within the east as

the landform nears the coast around Seaham and Easington.

2.2.6 There are a number of large scale developments within 5km of the site, notably Haswell

Moor, High Haswell, High Sharpley, Great Sharpley and Great Eppleton Wind Farms, and

two single turbines west of Easington. Jade Business Park, Dalton Park Shopping Outlet,

the A19 and South Hetton electricity substation are additional large scale developments,

all located within 2km of the proposed site.

Local Planning Policy

2.2.7 The County Durham Plan, adopted 2020, includes the following relevant policies to this

development proposal:

Policy 10 – Development in the Countryside

Policy 14 – Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land and Soil Resources

Policy 21 – Delivering Sustainable Transport

Policy 26 - Green Infrastructure

Policy 31 – Amenity and Pollution

Policy 33 - Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

Policy 35 – Water Management

Policy 39 - Landscape


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Policy 41 – Biodiversity and Geodiversity

Policy 43 - Protected Species and Nationally and Locally Protected Sites

Policy 44 – Historic Environment

2.2.8 There is no neighbourhood plan in place for this area.

2.2.9 The Planning Statement which accompanies the planning application sets out full details of

the planning policy framework relevant to this development proposal and site.

2.3 Siting and Design Evolution of the Scheme

2.3.1 One overriding factor in selecting an appropriate, viable development site for a solar farm

is the proximity to local electricity grid infrastructure with sufficient capacity to

accommodate the electricity output from new generating plant, especially where such sites

do not conflict with other land use protections.

2.3.2 The Applicant has secured a viable grid connection, and has applied national planning

constraints in selecting and refining the Site. The Hawthorn Pit scheme is therefore an

outcome of the sequential testing of strategic resources and constraints that is an

appropriate response to NPPF requirements for selecting appropriate sites for

development.

2.3.3 In this context, potential sites with a viable grid connection are increasingly rare, as the

distribution network has become saturated and as it adapts to the necessity for distributed,

decarbonised generation. In this context, applying sequential testing based upon the

preference to explore the availability of brownfield sites, as advised by the NPPF and

Ministerial Statements, is mis-guiding as many brownfield sites are now developed for

similar or other purposes, or do not have an available, viable grid connection; this places

further reliance on harnessing available sites with the correct attributes where there is a

viable, secured grid case, as is the case with the Hawthorn Pit solar scheme.

2.3.4 Selecting a solar site through sequential testing of strategic resources and available grid is

therefore a preferable and valid approach in securing more clean energy capacity and

meeting our ambitious net zero targets. In effect, the critical need to act on the climate

crisis necessitates high approval rates of new renewables capacity by determining


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authorities, who themselves are required under the NPPF to collaborate with developers

in making the effects of new proposals acceptable in the interests of making development

sustainable and meeting our net zero targets.

2.3.5 Hawthorn Pit Solar Farm is an example of this approach to sequential testing and securing

viable grid, whereby the Applicant has identified and secured a site with no other significant

environmental protections or land-uses that has sufficient available capacity within the

existing electricity network to absorb new clean energy generation; the point of connection

will be Hawthorn Pit substation immediately to the south of site.

2.3.6 Following site identification, the Applicant undertook a detailed review of site conditions

and national environmental constraints to confirm that the Site not only demonstrated the

requisite technical and commercial characteristics for viable development but also to

ensure that the Site was absent of sensitive environmental, technical and amenity features

that may be conflicted by new development.

2.3.7 Following landowner agreements to explore the solar farm potential of the Site, the

Applicant has conducted detailed environmental surveys and sensitivity testing of the

available landholding to inform the layout of a well-designed solar farm scheme that limits

affects to other on-site land-uses and receptors.

2.3.8 A number of hard constraints were applied at the early stages of design, as follows:

Removal of eastern field from scheme due to it being ALC grade 2 and to reduce

potentially significant effects to recreational users;

A minimum 5m buffer from canopy edge of trees and all hedges / trees to both

limit the effects of shading to the panels and to ensure root protection from the

effects of the development;

A minimum 5m buffer around all rights of way;

A minimum 3m buffer along either edge over the overhead electricity distribution

lines;

Initial advisory landscape guidance on suitable stand-offs of the scheme from the

nearest and principal visual receptors; and


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The avoidance of archaeologically sensitive areas identified through field walkover

and geophysical survey, with additional 10m buffer from all identified features.

2.3.9 Further, more detailed surveys of the Site, as set out in the LVIA, ecology, FRA and heritage

assessments, were undertaken and the site design was amended to afford protection to

any sensitive features and receptors identified. As such, the development site has been

through a number of layout and design iterations, described as follows.

Initial Layout

2.3.10 At project commencement and pre-application consultation the available site area and

initial design were as shown in the October 2020 layout below. This layout shows the

maximum potential capacity scheme within the available development area with the arrays

and supporting infrastructure clearly shown, alongside the overhead power lines, public

rights of way, hedgerows and trees, and flood risk areas.


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Initial Layout: October 2020

Layout 2

2.3.11 Layout 2 represents a further iteration of the proposed scheme that followed the

archaeology desk based assessment, walkover and geophys, and the Applicant sought to

re-devise a scheme that would retain as much generation capacity as practicable whilst

avoiding harm to the extents of the potential archaeological features identified in the

survey. This is also the layout which was shared as part of the public consultation in June

2021.


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Layout 2: June 2021


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Final Layout and Design

2.3.12 The scheme submitted for planning (See Figure 2 – Site Layout) reflects further, final layout

and design changes that evolved from Layout 2, which are described as follows:

Removal of Northern panels. Following feedback at the public consultation,

panels and associated infrastructure were removed from the northern fields and

also from a field to the west of the site, along the old railway line/National Cycle

Route 1.

Additional Tree Belt. Also following feedback at the public consultation, an

additional tree belt was included along the northern boundary of the solar farm,

to screen views of the site from residential properties to the north of the site.

Reduction in the height of the solar arrays to 3.0m at highest point. At the time

of the initial layout, the proposed height of panels was 3.5m. Following guidance

by the Project landscape advisor, the Applicant proposes to limit the height of the

arrays to 3.0m with the purpose being to limit visibility of the scheme to critical

local receptors such as residential properties and footpaths.

Utilisation of String Inverters: these would be incorporated underneath the solar

arrays and would therefore avoid use of centralised inverters, which would

present additional, raised, visual infrastructure elements.

Hedgerow Creation and Gapping Up/ Tree Belt. Following guidance by the Project

landscape advisor, new hedgerows up to 3 m height will be created on either side

of public right of ways for those routed through the development site (Footpaths

FP9 and 11) with enhancements to any existing hedgerows along these routes. The

following public rights of way will have hedgerows interceding between them and

the development: FP8 along the northern edge, bridleway 15 along the western

edge, and FP11 along the southern edge. FP 13 along the eastern edge will have

the existing hedgerow enhanced. New tree belts will be planted along parts of the

south west boundary of the Site, around the substation and an additional tree belt

to the north as mentioned above.


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Inclusion of Biodiversity measures: where areas are being left clear for

archaeological protection, skylark plots will be created. The ground under and

around the solar panels is suitable for grassland enhancements as described in the

Ecological Assessment.

2.3.13 Protecting essential infrastructure against flood risk. Although the potential risk of

flooding is low across the majority of the development site, we have included swales as a

method of managing surface water runoff.

2.4 Scheme Design

Amount and Scale

2.4.1 The overall land area within the application boundary for the proposed solar farm is

approximately 52ha.

2.4.2 The oversailed area of the solar farm components (i.e. arrays, inverters and substation,

fencing, tracks etc.) would be less than half of the red line boundary area, and therefore

comprise an equivalent landtake of approx. 24.9 ha. Whilst the layout drawings submitted

with the planning application appear to show a much wider landtake, the pole-mounted

solar PV table systems raise the panels above the ground such that much of the ground

underneath remains unaffected, once site remediation has been affected.

2.4.3 The number of principal components of the solar farm, which are indicative only at this

stage, are as follows:

Panels: 93,132

Solar Mounting Tables: 1,617

Transformers: 15

Substation: 1

Spare Parts Containers: 5

On-site access track length and area: 1,223m length, 7,338m2 area

Fencing length: 3,384m


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2.4.4 The physical size and dimensions of each of these components is demonstrated in the

submitted planning figures.

2.4.5 The installed capacity of the entire proposal is 49.9MW.

2.4.6 The predicted annual power generation approximates up to 48.5 Gigawatt Hours (GWh),

which is equivalent to the annual domestic electricity requirements of approx. 17,3055

households per year.

2.4.7 The electricity output would result in annual offsetting of carbon dioxide emissions

associated with fossil fuels equal to approximately 15,203 tonnes annually6.

Layout

2.4.8 The layout of the solar farm has been designed to best harness the power of the sun’s

irradiation whilst ensuring that adequate separation distance is maintained between the

arrays and away from habitat features (i.e. trees and hedgerows) that would shade the

panels and reduce their availability to generate power.

2.4.9 The layout has evolved iteratively as described in Section 2.3 from an initial

conceptualisation of the scheme within the available landholding, through to its final form

which has responded and adapted to on-site features that require protection (i.e.

hedgerows, rights of way, archaeology etc) and local community feedback. This process

demonstrates that the Applicant has accounted for the physical and land use characteristics

of the site and has applied a dynamic design process that has sought to maximise the scale

of development whilst respecting sensitive features across the site.

2.4.10 Following sequential testing of several potential layouts of the scheme, including visual

effects within the locality, the current proposal presents the preferred outcome on the

basis of a number of factors, including:

minimising visibility where possible to visual receptors;

5 Figure is calculated using BEIS ‘Sub-national electricity consumption statistics 2019’ (latest published Dec 2020) which reports an average domestic consumption per County Durham Household of 3168 kwh 6 Calculated using the UK Government Gas Conversion Factor, BEIS, 2020 of 0.2773 Tonnes Carbon/MWh. NV Calculations based on the PV Syst generation report for the proposed layout


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avoidance of sensitive habitats and retention of existing ecological features across

the Site;

avoidance and protection of public rights of way;

avoidance of protected archaeological features;

Landscaping and Appearance

2.4.11 The Applicant, among many considerations, selected the location for this proposed

development, in part, on the basis that the site has no ascribed environmental designations

or conflicting land uses. The Applicant also identified a preference for this site because in

general terms the visibility of the proposed solar farm is confined to an area local to the

proposed site, similar to the existing Peterlee Solar Farm. The limited height of solar

infrastructure, the gently undulating nature of the topography and the good levels of

vegetation across the landscape, which combine to serve as useful containment and

screening tools, demonstrate the suitability of this site for solar development.

2.4.12 In cumulative terms it has been assessed that the solar farm would not be intervisible with

other developments from the same locations, and that accordingly cumulative impacts on

landscape character and visual amenity are a minor concern in relation to solar

development.

2.4.13 Within this overall topographical arrangement, and given the fairly effective screening

presence of hedgerows and individual trees, there is restricted visibility of the Site from a

wider perspective, as confirmed in the Landscape and Visual Assessment that accompanies

the planning application.

2.4.14 The solar arrays would depart from the current character of agriculturally improved fields

and would instead present a series of low tables of a blue-ish hue. Accordingly, the current

appearance of the agricultural fields will alter to one that is more man- made in nature. The

solar panels will appear as an expanse of blue, which is largely due to the anti-reflective

coating in which they are finished. This expanse of blue, similar visually to that of a lake,

will be visually contained within a much wider expanse of green and brown natural habitat,

and the proposal is not expected to dominate the landscape nor appear excessively

prominent.


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2.4.15 It is not possible to modify the appearance of the solar arrays to accord with the local

vernacular. However, the Applicant is proposing the use of wire mesh fencing in preference

to palisade fencing so that the character of fencing is more akin to that used for agricultural

field boundaries. New hedgerows will be planted, expected to mature in 5 -7 years

dependent on the maturity of the whips, alongside some footpaths in order to soften the

visual effects to footpath users, as shown on Figure LV7 Mitigation Plan (see Landscape and

Visual Assessment).

2.4.16 The proposed development will not result in the removal of current landscape elements

that contribute to landscape character, including hedgerows and trees, except for some

slight widening of existing field entrances.

2.4.17 The proposed solar farm is not expected to alter the sense of tranquillity afforded by the

current rural climate and environment on the basis of the landscape and visual and noise

assessments undertaken.

Community Safety

2.4.18 The solar scheme is located on private land. Consequently, public access to the solar arrays

is prohibited except where public rights of way traverse the Site. Only where necessary has

fencing been introduced along the rights of way in order to protect users from the electrical

infrastructure of the scheme.

2.4.19 During the construction phase, and in the interests of public safety, staged temporary

closures, as describe in Section 3.4.5 below, will be required. Such closures would last only

for the duration of the construction and site restoration phases.

2.4.20 Any visitors with agreement to visit the Site would be required to report to a pre-arranged

location (likely to be the Site construction compound) and they would receive site

inductions prior to entering the Site. Requirements under COVID-19 guidance and Personal

Protection Equipment will be specified at induction and adhered to throughout the

development of the scheme.

Environmental Sustainability

2.4.21 The proposed solar scheme will use a natural renewable resource, i.e. solar radiation, to

generate electricity. This will offset requirements for the use of fossil fuel derived


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electricity, which in the case of the Hawthorn Pit Solar Scheme will be equivalent to the

average domestic requirements for approximately approx. 17,305 households per year (see

Section 2.4.6). The proposed development, therefore, contributes to global efforts on

environmental sustainability and arresting the progress of global warming and climate

change; the scheme will also reduce the UK’s dependence upon imported sources of

energy, typically fossil fuel based generation such as gas and oil. The proposed

development will provide a long-term, decentralised form of energy that will improve the

sustainability of UK based energy supplies.

2.4.22 If approved, this development will offer the opportunity for Aura Power to place contracts

with local suppliers, which Aura Power has stated they will prioritise in preference to using

contractors further afield wherever possible. In combination with annual lease payments

to the principal landowner and the intention of the Applicant to implement a community

benefit fund, there will be localised economic benefits arising from the scheme through the

construction and operational stages. The scheme will also be required to pay annual

business rates to Durham County Council, making contributions thereby to the district

economy.

2.4.23 As established through the reports accompanying the planning application, the scheme is

not expected to harm or adversely impact archaeological features, recreational assets such

as rights of way, residential amenity or transport access.

2.4.24 Accordingly, the proposed scheme offers meaningful benefits in the form of clean energy

and some localised economic generation, without adversely affecting other environmental

or planning aspects of the local area. There will be a marginal net loss to sensitive habitats,

resulting from widening at field boundaries; however, such losses will be more than

compensated for through the habitat and biodiversity proposals (Figure 13) that are

included with the planning application.

2.4.25 For the above reasons, the Applicant considers the proposal to embody all the central

principles of sustainability and thereby meet the planning policy guidance of the CDP. For

a full appraisal of the proposed scheme in the context of the local and national planning

policy framework, please see the Planning Statement.


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3. TRANSPORT AND ACCESS 3.1 Durham County Transport Policy

3.1.1 Policy 21 of the DCP ‘Delivering Sustainable Transport’ is of relevance to the proposed

scheme. The Policy states:

The transport implications of development must be addressed as part of any planning

application, where relevant this could include through Transport Assessments, Transport

Statements and Travel Plans. All development shall deliver sustainable transport by:

a. delivering, accommodating and facilitating investment in safe sustainable modes of

transport in the following order of priority: those with mobility issues or disabilities,

walking, cycling, bus and rail transport, car sharing and alternative fuel vehicles;

b. providing appropriate, well designed, permeable and direct routes for walking, cycling

and bus access, so that new developments clearly link to existing services and facilities

together with existing routes for the convenience of all users;

c. ensuring that any vehicular traffic generated by new development, following the

implementation of sustainable transport measures, can be safely accommodated on the

local and strategic highway network and does not cause an unacceptable increase in

congestion or air pollution and that severe congestion can be overcome by appropriate

transport improvements;

d. ensuring the creation of new or improvements to existing routes and facilities do not

cause unacceptable harm to the natural, built or historic environment; and

e. developments in the vicinity of level crossings (both vehicular and pedestrian) will be

expected to assess the potential increase in risk at each crossing affected and indicate the

appropriate mitigation required to reduce or remove such risks.

All development should have regard to the policies set out in the County Durham's

Strategic Cycling and Walking Delivery Plan and, where possible, contribute to the

development of a safe strategic cycling and walking network and in particular the routes

set out in Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.


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The following principles will be used to determine cycle and parking provision in

development:

• cycle parking or secure cycle storage should be provided to facilitate increased cycle

ownership and use;

• car parking at residential developments should ensure that a sufficient level is

provided for both occupants and visitors, to minimise potential harm to amenity from

footway parking.

• on street and footway parking should be avoided where it would have an

unacceptable impact on highway safety, or a severe impact on the road network;

• car parking at destinations should be limited to encourage the use of sustainable

modes of transport, having regard to the accessibility of the development by walking,

cycling, and public transport; and

• appropriate provision for electric vehicle charging, including charge points and

laying of cables, should be made on both residential and non-residential development

where parking is provided.

The council is preparing a Parking and Accessibility Supplementary Planning Document

that reflects the principles set out above. Developments should have regard to the Parking

and Accessibility Supplementary Planning Document following adoption by the council.

3.1.2 Relevant aspects and criteria to the proposed Development in the Policy are as identified

in bold. These have been appraised and applied to the design phase of the Development,

in order to ensure satisfactory and safe access, and preserve the rights of way network in

and around the Site.

3.1.3 Due to the nature of the Development, transport and access issues addressed herein relate

principally to the construction phase of the Development, for which the potential road

safety effects will be temporary only, as reflected in the brief Travel Plan presented in

Section 5.

3.1.4 Upon completion of construction, access requirements to the site will be minimal and will

not entail the need for private car or public transport use. Predicted vehicle movements


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would be broadly similar – although less due to in-situ retention post development – during

the decommissioning stage of the scheme.

3.1.5 The access arrangements for the Development from the principal highway, Front Street

(A182), and any crossings of rights of way during the construction phase, would also need

engineering in accordance with the Durham Highways guidance. This includes

improvements to the existing metalled track to site, and any crossings of rights of way. It is

expected that precise details of the engineering aspect of the highway connection would

need to be agreed as a pre-commencement condition to the Development.

3.1.6 Full details of the route to site, site access and entrance arrangements are set out in the

outline Transport Management Plan submitted with the planning application.

3.2 Public Rights of Way

3.2.1 During construction activities, there will be temporary effects to users of the following

rights of way:

Murton Footpaths (FPs) 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13

Murton Bridleways (BWs) 7 and 15

3.2.2 All relevant rights of way to the development site are illustrated on Figure 13: Public Rights

of Way. All rights of way are to be retained across the site if permission is granted; some

temporary closures will be necessary for the construction phase of the scheme.

Thereafter the rights of way network will be fully re-opened.

3.2.3 In the event that the alternative route to site via the Hawthorn Pit Electricity Substation

becomes a reality, the proposed temporary closures to the rights of way network would

be much more limited, with only FPs 8, 9, 11 and 13 that will be affected by access and

construction activities.

3.2.4 FP10, FP16 and BW 7 are coincident with National Cycleway (Sustrans) Route 1, which

runs in sections from Dover up to the Highlands of Scotland. The route is recognised for

its route from the White Cliffs to the mountain scenery of Scotland, with views of the east

coast and several historic features. This section of the route (Hawthorn to Ryhope Way)

departs from the A182 at South Hutton through to Murton and onwards towards the


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south of Sunderland; an alternative route on Sustrans Route 1 from South Hutton to

Seaham is also available, providing a valid alternative route during temporary closures to

these rights of way.

3.2.5 Much of the section of Sustrans 1 along the western boundary would be within a cutting,

thereby restricting visibility of the site, except where the route comes close to the site

entrance, where there would be visibility of scheme for a short duration. The proposed

mitigation measures for BW7 and FP10 set out below are applicable also to Sustrans 1.

3.2.6 From Front Street to the site, BW15 and BW7 will be subject to temporary closure during

construction, and footpath users for FP10 will be subject to traffic control measures / site

signage, to ensure their safety. These rights of way are show in the following plan:

Footpath Plan 1: Site Access Route Rights of Way Network


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3.2.7 From the site entrance, and throughout the site, FPs 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 16 will be subject

to temporary closures where within the site area, and up to the nearest point of entry to

the footpaths, to ensure the protection of users during the construction phase.

3.2.8 These rights of way will be reinstated following construction, with sufficient widths

retained to ensure safe use and access. These rights of way are presented in the following

illustration:

Footpath Plan 2: Main Site Rights of Way Network

3.2.9 Prior to construction, and having secured the necessary temporary closures, the Applicant

and the Principal Contractor will install barriers along the affected rights of way alongside

site signage explaining the purpose of the closures, giving information on safety for users,

and highlighting alternative tracks that are available to users.

3.2.10 Following construction and the cessation of construction and reinstatement activities, the

rights of way network will re-opened.


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3.2.11 During the operational phase, vehicle movements to and from the site are very minor,

with predicted visits for O&M personnel monthly. During summer, numbers will increase

very slightly as maintenance crews access the site for mowing and weed control.


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APPENDIX: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PRE-APPLICATION ADVICE REPORT


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hawthorn pit solar farm design and access statement

Documents