The Monksfield Solar Farm planning application is for an industrial scale development that would, if allowed to proceed:
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Be 271 acres in size, equivalent to more than 170 football pitches
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Feature a ground-mounted solar array (solar panels) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS’s)
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Require a 4.1km cable to be laid along route of the A449 to enable connection to the grid at Spring Lane, Malvern Link
Links to key planning application documents, from which the information on this page is extracted, are provided on this page. Note if any RWE people are reading this page, it is “Worcester”, not “Worchester” as you stated for the location address on your planning application form. Maybe there is an error in your German translation software? At least you didn’t put a capital V instead of a W!
Key Features
Location Map
Monksfield Solar Farm comprises 4 parcels of land located either side of the A449 between Worcester and Malvern near to the villages of Powick, Collets’ Green, Leigh Sinton and Bastonford.
The site plan also shows the route of the cable between the solar complex and the sub-station grid connection on Spring Lane, Malvern Link. This cable will require roadworks taking a minimum of 7 months to lay.
The scale of the development immediately becomes apparent when set against the relative sizes of the Collets’ Green / Hospital Lane estate and the other villages.
It can be seen that several public rights of way pass through the development site; these are regularly walked by local residents and visitors to the area.
The Solar and BESS Complex
The site would comprise lots of solar panels 2.8m (9 feet) high.
There would be 13 BESS compounds each comprising 4 battery containers, 4 converters and an inverter container. Some of these compounds will be surrounded with 3m high accoustic fencing to reduce noise.
A sub-station and associated equipment will be provided in parcel B1 along with 15m (49 feet) communication mast.
2m (6.5 feet) high stock fencing will surround the complex along with CCTV cameras mounted on 3m (10 feet) posts.
Public Rights of Way (PRoW)
The planning statement says that “Existing PRoW will be retained and enhanced by setting them within an improved landscape of wildflower meadow, with picnic benches and information boards provided in appropriate locations”.
I guess this is subjective, as some people may enjoy looking at solar panels, BESS compounds, fencing and CCTV cameras mounted on 3m posts, but most residents that we have consulted:
- Would prefer to retain views of the Malvern Hills that will be obscured by the 2.8m solar panels and 3m BESS Compounds
- Are quite happy with the existing benches and the meadows that have already been planted and struggle to see how having the meadows underneath solar panels will enhance them
- Prefer the privacy and remoteness of the existing PRoW’s
This feels more like a POW Compound rather than a PRoW – why not add a minefield to complete it?
Ecology
The planning statement says: “Tussock meadows are proposed at appropriate locations to deliver improved year-round foraging for a variety of bird species including skylark. Bee hives, bug hotels, owl boxes and bat boxes will be provided at appropriate locations”
We note that the DEFRA are already paying the owner of land in Parcel B3 to enhance the land, including the provision of winter seed for birds, for example, and therefore struggle again to understand how much improvement is being provided given the solar panels and noise that will be created by the BESS compounds which we imagine is not ideal for wildlife.
Community Benefit Area
The planning statement says: “The community benefit area will be positioned close to Bastonford and will incorporate PRoW 625(C). It will comprise orchard tree planting, a wildflower meadow, mown paths, various seating options and interpretation boards.”
We are a little concerned that not only is this area inaccessible for visiting school children, it is proposed on boggy land and thus not really suitable for growing an orchard.