THE 4.4MW
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
Our proposal is for a community-owned wind turbine and small solar farm at Springs Farm, near Codrington. The current design allows for the inclusion of a small Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Adding BESS to the site would further enhance the amount and timing of exported energy.
We have designed the layout to balance functionality with environmental sensitivity and visual screening, in keeping with the surrounding landscape.
The 2MW wind turbine will be placed in the northern part of the site, and will be 150 metres tall to blade tip, with a hub height of 105 metres. The wind turbine will be similar in appearance to the existing turbine on the other side of the M4. The blades will rotate slowly, completing a full rotation every few seconds. At the base of the turbine there will be an area of hardstanding, to allow for construction and future maintenance.
To the south of the wind turbine will be the small solar farm and battery system. Together, they will reach 2.4MW at peak capacity. The solar panels will be black, mounted in rows facing due south, with a height of around 3 metres. The grassland between rows and around the array will be managed to provide benefits for wildlife. There will also be a stone access track serving both the wind turbine and solar array.
We expect the wind turbine and solar panels to have a combined rated power output of 4.4MW, generating around 6 million kWh of renewable electricity every year - enough to power over 1,500 homes!
DESIGN
CURRENT LAYOUT PLAN
ECOLOGY
The selection and design of the site aims to avoid impacts on ecology and biodiversity where possible. The site is mainly comprised of poor quality arable land.
We are designing the site access to minimise impacts on the River Boyd. Along the river, we will create a biodiversity buffer zone with improved grassland habitat, helping to protect wildlife and enhance the river's ecology.
Any small sections of hedgerows which require removal to facilitate access will be mitigated to ensure an overall net improvement in hedgerows across the site.
We are also proposing seeding underneath the new ground-mount solar PV to create a species-rich grassland habitat.
Bird surveys have been undertaken and will inform construction management and site design to ensure that we minimise any potential impacts. Bat surveys and assessment of trees for roosts have been completed; so far all signs suggest there will be no adverse impact.
The overall impact on habitats from the development will be positive. We aim to significantly exceed the planning requirement of 10% biodiversity net gain.