Riddings Lane Solar and Storage

10,700 tonnes of carbon will be saved per year.

Please see a copy of our Site Location Plan here.

Please see a copy of our Site Layout Plan here.

To date, we have undertaken a desk-based Historic Environmental Assessment, which was informed by a site visit undertaken in August 2023. There are no listed buildings or scheduled monuments on-site. The findings of the HEDBA conclude that the designated and non-designated listed buildings near the site are likely to have their significance preserved with the proposal in place. The site has a low potential for archaeological finds and features. However, based on this report, we are undertaking further site investigations through a geophysical survey along with on-site mitigation measures to ensure the proposed development has no or low impact on built heritage and archaeology.

The area of the site around the Deep Meadows Beck is located within Flood zones 2 and 3. Due to this we are currently undertaking early consultation activities with the Local Lead Flood Authority and the Council. Based on a desk-based assessment, we are discussing suitable on-site mitigation measures which will ensure the proposed development does not increase flood risk on or off site. Further site testing will be undertaken to confirm that the mitigation proposals are suitable.

An ecological report, informed by non-breeding bird (wintering birds) and breeding bird surveys and a phase 1 habitat survey, was included within the EIA Screening submission. This concluded that the site is functionally linked land for curlew and a breeding habitat for skylark. Based on this, the planning application will be supported by a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and a Construction and Environmental Management Plan. These will incorporate suitable mitigation measures, which will include a bird mitigation area within the site boundary.

We have agreed viewpoint locations with the Council, which will be presented at the community consultation, and are undertaking a Sequential test, based on the sites location within the flood zone, which is taking into account landscape and visual effects of the site itself.

We are currently progressing work on traffic routing which will be included within the community consultation and the planning application. This will include a construction traffic route plan and details of the site access. This is currently proposed to be off Riddings Lane, from the A5087. Full details of construction access will be provided within the Construction Traffic Management Plan, which will form part of the planning application.

Once operational, the site would be visited for occasional routine maintenance. Typically, this would involve light goods vehicles with one or two site operatives, who would access the site and carry out routine maintenance checks on the installed equipment. In the first five years post construction, there would also be regular visits by the operations and management team to monitor and manage completed landscape works like newly planted hedgerows and trees, during their initial establishment phase. 

Please see the boards that were on display at the community consultation event here.

Please see the leaflet that was distributed prior to the community consultation event here.