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ID sylw: 106594

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: The Umberslade Estate

Asiant : Sworders

The policy states that “where development other than solar farm development is proposed on sites identified on Figure 16 as land suitable for Ground Mounted Solar PV (score >0.9), development in those areas will be expected to install solar PV, this could be either rooftop or ground mounted”. As set out in our comments to the HELAA part B, we are sceptical as to the reliance that can be placed on the conclusions of the Renewables and Decentralised Energy Opportunities report (May 2024). This fails to have regard to any of the main factors which determine whether a site is suitable for ground mounted solar schemes. Fundamentally, the costs involved in doing so, the grid capacity and the land availability for such use. The report itself notes these limitations, stating that:
“Please note that a more detailed feasibility and techno-economic assessment, as well as consideration of grid connections and landscape impact, will be needed for any specific sites selected for renewable energy.”
Notwithstanding our concerns with the report, Figure 10 of the report relates to ground mounter solar, yet Draft Policy D seeks to extend this roof mounted solar and reach the assumption that these can only be provided in areas deemed suitable for ground mounted solar. This is not what the report says, and there is no other evidence that supports this approach. This policy as drafted would financially disadvantage sites within these areas, and represents an inconsistent and unevidenced approach.