new-solar-sunset

The Proposal

How does the solar farm work?

Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells (which is why generating electricity with solar panels is also called solar PV) that convert the sun’s energy into electricity. 

Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi-conducting materials such as silicone. Each layer has different electronic properties that energise when hit by photons from sunlight, creating an electric field. This is known as the photoelectric effect, and this creates the electrical current.

Solar panels generate a Direct Current (DC) of electricity. This is then passed through an inverter to convert it into an Alternating Current (AC), and then to a transformer (sometimes a series of transformers) to upgrade the voltage so that the electricity generated can then be fed into the National Grid.

What does the project consist of?

Byde Mill Solar Farm has an expected generating capacity of c.10MW.

The solar farm will consist of:  

  • 23ha hectare solar farm located south west of Poulshot in Wiltshire.
  • Single Axis Trackers – a system that automatically adjusts the angle of panels during the day, maximizing their efficiency.
  • Solar panels will be set on lightweight frames in rows spaced 3m apart, with a minimum ground clearance of 0.6m and a maximum panel height of 3m (more likely to be 2.5m).
  • Inverters and transformers to convert the generated power from DC to AC to export the electricity to the grid. 
  • An on-site substation and site facility, which includes a control room and components storage.
  • A security fence up to 2.4m high, CCTV cameras and a thermal imaging detection system located on 3m high poles, set at approximately 100m intervals on average around the site perimeter and pointed inwards. No permanent lighting is required for this proposal. 
  • Internal access tracks to enable operation and maintenance. 
  • Ecology mitigation and enhancement areas implemented to protect the ecology and habitats of the site, including the creation of a wetland area.

The plans shows the proposed site location and layout, including the area the solar panels will cover, associated infrastructure, and the proposed ecological mitigation areas.

Has the impact on the environment been considered?

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening request was submitted to the Council on the 31 March 2021 and the Council decided on the 30 April 2021 that an EIA is not required. This does not mean environmental surveys are not required, just that the planning application does not need to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement. The EIA screening request and the Council’s decision can be found on the Council’s website: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z0000157syTAAQ/pl202103910?tabset-8903c=2 

Environmental assessments are ongoing and include analysis detailing the existing site condition and potential impacts in relation to ecology, heritage and archaeology, landscape and visual, noise, traffic and transport, flood risk, glint and glare, arboriculture and agricultural land classification. The outcome of these evaluations will be used to inform the design of the project and will be submitted with the planning application. 

In designing the current site layout, the existing site ecology has been considered and buffer zones around important ecological features such as hedgerows and trees are incorporated into the design to minimise ecological impacts. Further ecological enhancements will be undertaken and could include planting native flowers and infilling and enhancing the existing hedgerows with native species. The site will, as a minimum, achieve the legislative target of 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG). 

The plans shows the environmental constraints of Byde Mill Solar Farm.

How will the Public Right of Way be impacted?

A single Public Right of Way (PRoW) Bridleway POUL4 runs east-west north of the Site, connecting Poulshot Road to Wessex model Flying Club. This Bridleway will not be directly affected by the proposal and will remain open and accessible throughout the project’s lifespan.

How will the proposal impact local traffic?

Access to the proposal will be from the south of Poulshot, and will utilise an existing farm access track approximately 250m south of the Poulshot Road/ Byde Mill junction. The use of this access will ensure construction and maintenance vehicles do not go through Poulshot village. Construction and maintenance vehicles will likely be routed from the A4/ Bath Road southwards towards the site via Bollands Hill and Bell Hill before turning north onto Poulshot Road. A traffic and transport assessment is being undertaken and will be used to assess and mitigate for any adverse impacts. Construction of the solar farm is estimated to take up to 6 months, and operational traffic will likely consist of a single monthly maintenance visit to the Site. 

How will the solar panels be screened?

The proposal is sited in a location where visibility onto the site, and of the solar panels is extremely limited. However, to increase screening and reduce visual impacts, existing trees and hedges will be maintained and where required, new screening vegetation such as hedges will be planted. The planting of new screening vegetation will be informed by the outcome of the landscape and visual assessments and will be submitted with the planning application. 

How will the local community benefit?

We are looking at ways to help ensure the local community benefits from the development of the solar farm. This could include: 

  • A Community Benefit Fund to support local projects and initiatives.
  • A Community Energy Co-operative, to enable locals to benefit from long-term savings from a local green source.
  • Creating opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain.

We would like to hear ideas from the local community on what they would like to see delivered. Please share any ideas or suggestions with us via email at BydeMillSolarFarm@axis.co.uk or in person at our drop in event at Poulshot Village Hall, The Green, Poulshot Road, Poulshot, Devizes, SN10 1RT on 1st October 2024 from 3pm to 7pm.

How long will the project take to develop?

We are currently undertaking surveys and assessments which will inform our proposal, alongside the feedback from community consultation. Following this, we aim to submit a planning application to Wiltshire Council later this year. 

Once the planning application is submitted, Wiltshire Council will carry out a statutory consultation, where you will be able to comment further on the proposal, directly to the council. At this point, we will also share an update with the local community on how the consultation feedback has influenced our proposal.

If the project is granted planning permission by Wiltshire Council, Byde Mill Solar Farm would take approximately 6 months to be constructed with an operational lifespan of up to 40 years. 

How will the solar farm connect to the grid?

An export cable will run from the solar farm and connect into the existing overhead cable approximately 1.8km north of the site. The cable route is still to be finalised but is likely to follow the route shown on the location plans. This route removes the need for any highway works to impact Poulshot Road and the amenity of the village.