We expect the project to be around 18-20MW
of solar electricity production, with solar panels set on frames in rows running east to west.
greentech has undertaken some initial site feasibility work and prepared an initial layout where we have identified setbacks, exclusion areas and landscaping opportunities to ensure that the proposal will have minimal impacts on nearby properties.
We will continue to update this project as we progress our plans.
The solar farm will make a significant contribution to the carbon reduction goals set out by Government to end the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity by 2035. Whilst 42% of all electricity generated in England and Wales in 2020 came from renewable energy sources, further deployment of renewable technologies, including solar, is urgently needed to achieve the UK targets and tackle climate change.
At a time when energy security is becoming increasingly important, this project will generate much-needed renewable energy for the local electricity grid.
The proposal will consist of rows of solar PV panels, mounted on steel framework, running east to west. The panels will be inclined at an angle of about 20° and face south. The panels will be raised above the ground by 0.7m and will have a maximum height of up to 3.25-3.5m. The distance between each row of panels will be about 3.5m – 4.0m.
Solar farms are simple and quick to construct and have no emissions to air, water or land once operational. The maintenance requirements are very low so there will be minimal vehicle movements following the completion of development and during the operation of the site.
Albeit long-term, solar farms are temporary developments. At the end of their operational life, all equipment and structures can be removed from site and mostly reused or recycled. This allows for the land to be restored to its former agricultural use.
greentech works to develop and implement nature-based solutions to enhance and protect the natural environment and improve local biodiversity. The land under and between the solar panels will remain as grassland with potential for sheep grazing.
The proposals will include the creation of new habitats which will be identified by the lead ecologist. Provision will be made to encourage wildlife to use the site, such as the installation of structures for roosting and nesting birds and bats, and the creation of refuge areas and shelters for hibernating species.
The proposals will also include new native species-rich hedgerow planting and reinforcement works, and native trees will also be planted. This planting provides screening, and it creates new habitats that will benefit a range of insect, bird and animal species.
Successful solar farm developments of this nature must successfully balance grid, landowner and planning matters. The latter includes addressing safety, access and policy compliance while eliminating or minimising potential impacts illustrating the complexity of considerations developers such as greentech are required to align. As a developer, this results in only 10% of the hundreds of potential sites we assess annually progressing to this planning stage and further.
Solar farms are an accepted and popular form of renewable energy generation especially as they operate without any form of Government subsidy. They are also relatively unobtrusive and have limited effect on the environment compared to other forms of energy generation.
Solar farms are relatively simple and quick to construct and have no emissions to air, water or land once operational. The maintenance requirements are very low so there will be hardly any vehicle movements to and from the site once construction is complete.
Solar farms are temporary, albeit long-term developments. At the end of their operational life, all equipment and structures can be removed from site, most equipment and material can be reused or recycled, and the land can revert to growing arable crops and other agricultural use.
Successful solar farm developments of this nature must successfully balance grid, landowner and planning matters. The latter includes addressing safety, access and policy compliance, while eliminating or minimising potential impacts illustrating the complexity of considerations developers such as greentech are required to align. As a developer, this results in only 10% of the hundreds of potential sites we assess annually progressing to this planning stage and further.
This site has no physical characteristics that will prevent the development of a solar farm.
It comprises 3 fields which are used for livestock grazing, grass for silage and occasionally maize.
The existing electricity network has sufficient capacity to connect a solar farm of this scale at this location.
The site and immediate surrounding area have few planning restrictions. It is separated from Carrs Green Common and the closest houses by surrounding fields. There are no designated archaeological or cultural heritage assets within the site, or the surrounding area, with only a scattering of Grade 2 listed buildings more than 300 metres distant.
We are engaging with various experts to undertake surveys and reviews of the site and locality to ensure that any proposal will have minimal impact. These will include a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Transportation Assessment, Flood Risk Assessment, Glint and Glare Study, Ecological Appraisal and a Cultural Heritage Appraisal.
The Parish Room, St Anne’s Church, Woodplumpton Rd, Woodplumpton, Preston PR4 0NE
Event open from 4pm – 8pm Wednesday 6th November 2024
For those unable to attend the physical exhibitions, all exhibition material will be live on the project website from 6th November where comments can be made online or in writing.
We are accepting comments and feedback on the plans until 27th November 2024.
Comments should be made to greentech and do not constitute a formal representation. An opportunity to make a formal representation will exist when a subsequent planning application is made.
For email feedback please contact lowerhousesolarfarm@greentech.energy
greentech is part of ER Capital Holding, a private investment and asset management group based in the city of Hamburg.
Feedback from residents and other interested parties will be reviewed and where possible adopted and this will assist in informing the final proposal for any planning submission.
On submission of an application the council will undertake its own consultation with statutory and non-statutory consultees as well as local residents before making a decision on whether the solar farm should go ahead.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please use the form below to get in touch.
You are invited to come along and meet our team, ask any questions you may have and find out more about the proposals at a public exhibition.
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