See notes below
Original ("First Iteration") - Figure 3.5
New ("Second Iteration") - Figure 3.6
As you will see, you have to look quite hard to see the differences between the two iterations. The site is the same with the same boundaries. Careful inspection shows the number of panels has been slightly reduced, and the panels moved in slightly from some of the boundaries. In our view, this doesn't change our objections to the proposal, which still represents an eye-sore in beautiful unspoilt countryside.
The explanation for the changes is given as follows:
"3.63. Following further baseline assessment, the applicant’s landscape architect and ecologist advised that the solar panels should be moved further away from the woodland copses and rivers in order to reduce potential impacts on habitats and species, and to allow space for new hedgerow planting.
"3.64. The scheme was therefore redesigned to increase the buffer zones to these landscape and habitat features to: 15m from Colmer Coppice ancient woodland; a minimum of 10m from the on-site woodland to ensure root protection zones; 5m from the wooded stream corridor; 4m from all existing hedgerows and 20m from the western edge of the on-site woodland to avoid any possible disturbance of badger setts located within the western woodland area in line with the specialists' recommendations. [Was previously a minimum buffer zone of 5m]
"3.65. At this stage the security measures were also reviewed and it was determined that the proposed single ‘exterior’ fence-line around the entire site could result in environmental impacts on watercourses and other habitats. An alternative site layout was therefore designed which comprises individual fenced areas around each of the separate fields. This second and final iteration is shown on Figure 3.6 below [the second iteration above], and forms the final solar farm layout included with this application."
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