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), which can then be fed into the National Grid. 

The site will also have a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). A BESS enables solar energy to be stored and then released into the grid when the power is needed most. The inclusion of the BESS at Witney Solar Farm therefore allows the solar farm to store power when the electricity demand is low and then release the power when it is in peak demand, regardless of the weather or time of day. 

What does the project consist of?

Witney Solar Farm has an expected generating capacity of up to 30MW and will also include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of up to 30 MW. 

The solar farm will consist of:  

  • 46 hectare solar farm and BESS located between Brize Norton and Curbridge north of Witney Road and immediately south of the A40. 
  • Fixed-tilt solar photovoltaic panels. This means that the solar panels are in a fixed position facing south and do not move during the day. 
  • 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.
  • Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which includes commercial-scale batteries and transformers. 
  • 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. 
  • Ecological buffer zones, and the implementation of mitigation measures and enhancement measures will protect and improve the site’s biodiversity.

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 17 April 2024 and the Council decided on the 22 May 2024 that an EIA is not required. The EIA screening request and the Council’s decision can be found on the Council’s website:  https://publicaccess.westoxon.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage (this does not mean environmental surveys are not required, just that the planning application does not need to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement). 

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, trees, and wooded areas are now 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 Witney Solar Farm.

How will the Public Right of Way be impacted?

A single Public Right of Way (PRoW) 185/11/20 runs north-south through the centre of the proposal, connecting Witney Road to the A40 and then beyond the A40. This PRoW will remain open and accessible throughout the project’s lifespan and a 15m buffer between the PRoW and the solar farm is incorporated into the scheme’s design. The proposal’s internal access road will cross the PRoW in one location, and following further consultation with the Council, safety arrangements will be made to ensure the PRoW is safe and accessible.

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 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, initiatives, or community cooperative electricity.
  • 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 using our feedback form, via email at Contact@ampyrsolareurope.com, or in person at our drop in event at Elder Bank Hall in Brize Norton (OX18 3PU) on 13 September 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 West Oxfordshire District Council later this year. 

Once the planning application is submitted, West Oxfordshire District 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 West Oxfordshire District Council, Witney 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 to the existing substation just east of Curbridge, approximately 4km east of the Site. The export cable will be approximately 4.6km in length and be located in the existing road network. A separate Section 50 of the Highways Act application will be sought for the cable route. The plans show the location of Witney Solar Farm and the cable route.