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 * ABOUT US
 * THE SITE
 * THE PROPOSALS
 * BENEFITS
 * FAQS
 * SHARE YOUR VIEWS


A PROPOSED 49.9MW SOLAR FARM NEAR GRIMETHORPE IN BARNSLEY. ENVIROMENA IS
BRINGING FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SOLAR FARM ON LAND TO THE
NORTH WEST OF THE VILLAGE OF GRIMETHORPE AND EAST OF CUDWORTH.



The consultation period on the Solar Farm proposal has now closed.

All the comments, questions and issues raised during our consultation will be
carefully logged and considered. Details of feedback received and how the
proposals have been informed will be detailed in a Statement of Community
Involvement which will accompany the planning application.

Submission of the planning application is targeted for early 2023.


ABOUT US



Enviromena is a clean energy solutions company providing safe, affordable, and
reliable solutions for growing sustainable power demands.

Headquartered in the UK, Enviromena has more than 15 years’ global experience in
developing, designing, constructing, managing, and operating ground-breaking
renewable energy projects.

Enviromena currently manages, operates, and maintains over 700 megawatts (MW) of
renewable energy assets including solar and energy storage projects. Our
pipeline projects will see this shortly rise to 1.7 GW generating potential,
offsetting the equivalent of almost 1.6 million metric tons of carbon emissions
annually.

We are committed to ensuring that we leave the communities and places that we
touch in better condition than when we arrived. This begins with constantly
evaluating the long-term impacts of what we do. We absolutely prioritise safe
working conditions, care for the environment, respect for our employees and the
communities we touch.

Enviromena take our responsibility to operate sustainably very seriously because
not only because this makes sound commercial sense; it is also a matter of
delivering on our duty of care for future generations.


THE SITE



The proposed Grimethorpe Solar Farm comprises of three land parcels made up of
agricultural fields. The site is located north west of Grimethorpe, east of
Cudworth and south-west of Brierly. In total the three land parcels cover an
area of approximately 88 ha.

Site Location Plan


THE PROPOSALS



Solar farms use photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate energy from daylight and
distribute it through the existing electricity grid to homes and businesses in
the local area and nationwide.

These panels would be mounted on the ground in rows within existing field
boundaries ensuring that no hedges or trees need to be removed. The panels would
be set at an angle of 25 degrees, with a maximum height of 3 metres and gaps
between the rows. The panels would be surrounded by a light perimeter fence
(deer-fencing).

The panels will be supported by associated infrastructure including:

 * Inverters: these convert the Direct Current (DC) electricity collected to the
   Alternating Current (AC) used in electricity distribution / transmission.
 * Transformers: these control the voltage of the electricity generated.
 * Switchgear: a combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit
   breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment.

The site will be protected by CCTV security systems with cameras situated within
the site boundaries. There will be no lighting within the site.

Solar farms make minimal noise in operation and will not be audible outside of
the development itself. At the end of its 40-year operational life, the
equipment will be removed (and recycled) and the entire site will be restored to
its original form.

Site Layout Plan

Recently completed Enviromena solar farm project

Recently completed Enviromena solar farm project

Recently completed Enviromena solar farm project

Recently completed Enviromena solar farm project

Recently completed Enviromena solar farm project

Recently completed Enviromena solar farm project

Recently completed Enviromena solar farm project

Recently completed Enviromena solar farm project

Recently completed Enviromena solar farm project





BENEFITS



NET-ZERO



The proposed scheme will contribute to the country’s growing need for clean
electricity generation, making a vital contribution to achieving the
Government’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions and making the electricity
network completely green by 2035.

At a time when energy security is becoming increasingly important, this project
will generate much-needed renewable energy for the local electricity grid. In
addition, such green energy projects will help to reduce the cost of rising
energy bills currently impacting everyone across the UK.

The scheme will also help Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council achieve their
target Borough, and the wider area, to be net zero carbon by 2045.

The proposals will provide:

49.9MW export capacity

Over 22,600 homes powered per year

15,300 tonnes of CO2 saved per year

Generate over £100,000 per year in business rates

WILDLIFE



The project will deliver net beneficial gains for biodiversity. Solar farm
installations have a small footprint on the land they occupy, leaving
considerable scope for biodiversity enhancements. Research has shown that
responsibly managed solar farms can play an important role in reducing the
decline in biodiversity. Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained and
protected and supplemented by additional native species planting to support
local habitats as part of a wider ecological network.

LOCAL JOBS



The development of green energy projects like Grimethorpe Solar Farm also create
business opportunities and economic activity which contribute to the country’s
green recovery.

We are committed to using local suppliers and contractors during construction
and long-term operation of the project , which will benefit the local economy,
and provide jobs to people in the local area.


FAQS


Why is this project needed?

The proposed scheme will contribute to the country’s growing need for clean
electricity generation, making a vital contribution to achieving the
Government’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions and making the electricity
network completely green by 2035. The scheme will also help Barnsley council
achieve their target for the Borough to be net zero carbon by 2045.

The security of the UK’s energy supply has recently come into sharp focus.
Domestically generated clean electricity at scale, is key to securing a reliable
source of power for UK homes and businesses, helping to reduce reliance on
imported energy.

Will the proposed farm be visible?

The planning application will be accompanied by a comprehensive Landscape and
Visual Impact Assessment to ensure that any impacts are reduced through
appropriate mitigation measures, which will include a robust landscape planting
scheme. The site benefits from existing tree and hedge-lined boundaries which
will be retained and supplemented by additional planting to assist in screening
and filtering views of the development.

Will any existing trees and hedges be removed?

The solar panels will fit within existing field boundaries allowing for boundary
vegetation to be retained. However, some small sections of hedgerows may need to
be removed to allow access, but this will be kept to a minimum and mitigated by
additional replacement planting.

Has flood risk and drainage been considered?

Due to the design and construction of solar farms, the extent of additional
impermeable areas is kept to a minimum as the solar panels are elevated above
ground. Notwithstanding this, a surface water drainage solution will be
incorporated into the design proposals to ensure that the proposal does not lead
to an increase flood risk. A Flood Risk Assessment will be submitted with the
application and discussions will take place with the Environment Agency and the
Lead Local Flood Authority.

Will heritage assets be impacted?

The Site contains no designated heritage assets. The planning application,
however, will be accompanied by a heritage assessment, which will consider local
heritage assets such as listed buildings, conservation areas and scheduled
monuments. where necessary mitigation measures will be implemented to minimise
adverse impacts.

Will the development make a noise?

PV modules do not make any noise at all. There may be a very low-level noise
emitted from the transformers and inverters which would only be audible within
the immediate proximity of the components but not outside the development.

Will the site be enclosed by fencing?

For security purposes there will be a requirement to enclose the solar panels,
however, given the semi-rural context, it is proposed to install deer fencing,
which comprises of timber posts and wire meshing. Such fencing is designed to
ensure most wildlife can continue to travel through and use the site.

How will the development affect local wildlife?

Due to the way in which solar arrays are constructed, with minimal intrusion,
the existing ground is predominantly unaffected, meaning plants can continue to
grow around the panels. Furthermore, existing trees and hedgerows will be
retained, and additional landscaping will be provided which will deliver net
gains for local biodiversity. Furthermore, at the end of its 40-year operational
life, the equipment will be removed (and recycled) and the site will be restored
to its original form.

How long will it take to construct?

It is anticipated that the solar farm will take approximately 9 months to
construct.

Will Public Rights of Way be affected?

The proposal does not require the stopping or diversion of any public rights of
way.


SHARE YOUR VIEWS



The consultation period on the Solar Farm proposal has now closed.

All the comments, questions and issues raised during our consultation will be
carefully logged and considered. Details of feedback received and how the
proposals have been informed will be detailed in a Statement of Community
Involvement which will accompany the planning application.

Submission of the planning application is targeted for early 2023.

BY EMAIL

planningnorthern@bartonwillmore.co.uk

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