Leigh Delamere Solar Farm Construction Traffic Route
The map to the right shows the proposed construction traffic route for the solar farm. We understand that this may naturally raise concerns, especially for residents in Tiddlywink, Yatton Keynell and Sevington. There will inevitably be some disruption, but it will be limited and short-lived, and we are confident it can be managed safely and effectively. The Eden team has extensive experience in building solar farms in similar rural locations; we know that good information and effective local communications are very important and will continue to engage with the community throughout the process. Please see below our responses to some of the questions we have been asked about the project.
Q: HOW LONG WILL CONSTRUCTION TAKE?
A: On site construction will take 6.5 months, based on our team’s experience of building similar size projects elsewhere in the country and allowing for overruns.
Q: WHEN WILL IT TAKE PLACE?
A: If planning permission is granted, we aim to build during the spring and summer when ground conditions are better and the daylight hours are longer, although this cannot be guaranteed.
Q: HOW MANY HGVS WILL COME THROUGH THE VILLAGE?
A: There will be an average of 12 HGV movements per weekday, of which approximately half will be the largest articulated lorries.
However, the number of movements will vary during the construction period, with the peak construction period lasting for 3 weeks during the first month. This is when the road construction materials are brought to site which is done using smaller trucks of under 10m.
The expected maximum number of HGV deliveries in one day will be 17 and the minimum will be 3.
There will also be deliveries on Saturday mornings.
Q: HOW WILL THIS AFFECT BY BROOK PRIMARY SCHOOL?
A: Construction movements will be timed to avoid the school run. On weekdays they will be limited to 09:30 - 14:45 and 16:00 - 17:00. If your child attends an after-school club and is picked up between 4 and 5, there may be an impact but we will ensure the school and parents are made aware well in advance if there are likely to be delays so they can plan accordingly.
Q: HOW WILL THIS AFFECT SEVINGTON VICTORIAN SCHOOL?
A: The Victorian School has a shorter day from 10 to 2, but does not have school visits every day. We will liaise directly with them to ensure deliveries avoid times when they are expecting school groups to arrive or leave.
Q: WHAT MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS AND HORSERIDERS?
A: We will prioritise the safety of all road users, including walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. There will be plenty of road signs and banksmen can be used where needed.
The HGV drivers will drive slowly and carefully in accordance with local conditions.
A Construction Traffic Manager will oversee construction traffic movements and their contact details will be provided to local residentsin case any issues arise.
Q: WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON CASTLE COMBE EVENT DAYS?
A: The events are published well in advance so we can plan accordingly. We will contact the race track to ensure we take account of their expected peak traffic days and times.
Q: WHAT IF VEHICLES CAUSE DAMAGE ALONG THE ROUTE?
A: Photographic surveys along the route will be carried out before and after construction. Should any damage occur to road verges, then after construction is finished any damage will be made good. In the unlikely event there is damage to buildings we will address this on a case-by-case basis.
Q: WILL SITE STAFF AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS PARK ON THE VERGES?
A: No. A compound will be created on site which will have enough space for everyone to park. Mini-buses will also be used to transport construction staff to site where possible to minimise individual journeys to the site.
Q: HOW CAN YATTON KEYNELL AND SEVINGTON BENEFIT?
A: There is a community benefit fund proposed of £17,500 per year, index-linked, for the 40-year operational life of the solar farm. This would be administered by a panel including representatives from the local community and host parish councils (Grittleton and Kington St. Michael), for the benefit of residents living near the solar farm, and would include a sum of money for Yatton Keynell parish.
Q: HOW WILL WE KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHEN?
A: Eden Renewables will write to all the local residents likely to be affected by the traffic route well in advance of construction; we will also publish details on our website, social media and in the local press.
A Construction Traffic Manager will oversee construction traffic movements and their contact details will be provided to local residents in case any issues arise.
Q: WHY CAN’T TRAFFIC GO THROUGH THE M4 SERVICE STATION?
A: Highways England has a blanket ban on traffic using motorway services for other purposes; we cannot get around this unfortunately.
Q: WHY DON’T YOU LOOK AT ALTERNATIVE ROUTES?
A: Our transport consultants have already carefully assessed 5 alternative routes from the M4 J17 to the site entrance on Sevington Road, and the route through Yatton Keynell was found to be the safest and least disruptive.
Q: WHY HAS EDEN RENEWABLES CHOSEN THIS SITE FOR A SOLAR FARM?
A: The site has been carefully chosen because of:
Proximity to a grid connection at Chippenham sub-station
Adjacent to the Motorway services which may benefit from the energy generated for provision of ultra-high-speed electric vehicle charging hubs
It can be well screened by existing vegetation and with new planting
There are no statutory designations on the land such as AONB or Green Belt
Agricultural land is of moderate grade which is considered suitable for developments such as this
Potential to substantially enhance biodiversity and ecology on the site
Q: WHAT OTHER BENEFITS WILL THE SOLAR FARM BRING?
A:
In light of current geopolitical instability, the project will boost the UK’s energy security, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels imported from abroad which have caused the recent spike in power costs and record increases in fuel poverty.
Subsidy-free solar is the cheapest way of generating power and will bring down energy costs for everyone
It will help tackle the climate emergency and make a substantial contribution to Net Zero targets in Wiltshire and the UK
It will save approximately 20,000 tonnes CO2 per year
It will generate enough power for the equivalent of approximately 13,800 typical homes
It will be very beneficial for wildlife, with a range of ecological enhancements that will result in a Biodiversity Net Gain of over 50%
Community benefit and educational funding worth over £800,000 for the project life.
Q: I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS. WHO CAN I SPEAK TO ABOUT THIS?
A: We welcome your comments and questions at any time. Please email communityUK@edenrenewables.com or call 07979 368238