Consultation

RES completed a comprehensive pre-application engagement programme in order to proactively inform and engage with the local community and key stakeholders.

Consultation activities included an online public exhibition which were held on 27 May 2021. Information about the solar farm proposal was provided, along with opportunities for people to provide their feedback on the scheme. We also held video and telephone appointments throughout the day, for people to ask specific questions about the proposal. 

This process allowed us identify and respond to local issues and concerns. Of the issues raised during the consultation, issues relating to public rights of way, local ecology, biodiversity and traffic were of particular importance to the community. Constructive comments on these topics were taken into consideration before the submission of the planning application.

The feedback resulted in us undertaking an iterative design process to integrate the solar farm into the surrounding site as sensitively as possible, taking account of comments received during the pre-application consultation.

Design iterations that were made throughout the pre-application process included:

• Removal of sections of Fields 13 and 15 and the field to the south-east of bridleway 5 (The Midshires Way)
• Increased buffers from bridleways, and an increase in the amount of screening proposed around the boundary (in the form of woodland and hedgerow planting)
• A range of biodiversity enhancement such as bee banks and wildflower meadows, as well as the creation of 3.2 acres of new woodland, leading to a net gain for habitat biodiversity of 44.88%. 

We are committed to continuing the open dialogue we have established with the local community. If you would like to speak with us about the proposal please contact us.