Form TP.52

		
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT
HIGHWAY REPORT ON PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT

DISTRICT:	Rushcliffe	 Date received	14/12/2022	
OFFICER:	Craig Miles			
PROPOSAL:	Installation of renewable energy generating solar farm comprising ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays, together with substation, inverter stations, security measures, site access, internal access tracks and other ancillary infrastructure, including landscaping and biodiversity enhancements	D.C. No.	22/02241/FUL	
LOCATION:    	Land East Of Hawksworth And Northwest Of Thoroton Shelton Road Thoroton Nottinghamshire			
APPLICANT:   	Mrs Claire Chamberlain			

The proposed development consists of the construction of a 49.9MW solar farm, on land between Hawksworth and Thoroton.   Technical Appendix 5: Construction Traffic Management Plan - Neo Environmental 30/11/2022 (CTMP) has been submitted in support of the application.

It is noted that the operational phase of the development will generate only maintenance visits, estimated at approximately once per month.  This will not have a significant impact on the highway.

The construction phase of the development will have the biggest impact in terms of traffic movements.  The CTMP provides an estimate of vehicle movements associated with the construction phase.  It is stated that construction is estimated to occur over a six-month period, during which there will be a combination of HGVs and cars/vans on site.  In total, the construction of the solar farm is expected to give rise to 1106 HGV deliveries over the six-month construction period (2212 movements), with a daily maximum of 20 HGV deliveries (40 HGV movements).

The proposed haul route is from the A46 Trunk Road, exiting onto Bridgford Street, and continuing along Fosse Way, Tenman Lane, Hawksworth Road and onto Thoroton Road.  Considering the surrounding highway network, it is accepted that this is the most favourable route, avoiding impact on the surrounding villages as far as possible.  It is also noted that the impact will be temporary.  

As noted within the CTMP, Thoroton Lane is only of single lane width for much of its length.  Whilst this is not ideal, it is noted that it is a lightly trafficked rural lane that is generally straight with wide verges and good visibility.  Furthermore, the CTMP sets out mitigation measures to minimise the impact as far as possible, to include management/scheduling of deliveries, warning signs and a pre/post construction condition survey.  As noted above, it is also acknowledged that the impact will be for a temporary period only.

Sufficient warning signs will be required on the approach to the site, to inform highway users of the construction works and presence of HGVs, and it is noted that this is included within the CTMP.  Details of the signage scheme will need to be agreed prior to works commencing.

It is stated within the CTMP that the applicant will conduct a pre and post-construction condition survey on the public road 200m either side of the site access, and the applicant will be liable to repair any damage to the road attributed to the construction of the proposed development.  Whilst a condition survey is welcomed, the extent of the survey is considered insufficient.  Considering the potential impact of construction traffic, the survey should be extended to cover the full length of Thoroton Road up to the site access, together with the section of Hawksworth Road that forms part of the haul route.  The CTMP should be amended accordingly.

The application site is to be accessed via the creation of a new site entrance on Thoroton Road.  Confirmation has been provided that sufficient visibility splays are available, and the principle of the access is considered acceptable. It is however noted that the access will be insufficient for two vehicles to pass.  Sufficient passing provision will need to be provided at the site access, and an amended plan provided accordingly.  This could be the provision of a passing place within the site adjacent to the access.

It is noted that a Public Bridleway crosses the site, and the County Rights of Way Officer will provide comments on the impact in this regard.

RECOMMENDATION:  It is requested that further information is submitted to address the above comments.

HDC ES 19/01/2023