Construction work will shortly restart on Paytherden Solar Farm. This will initially focus on the temporary construction access opposite Lanelands, where the existing field access will be widened to allow for access by construction vehicles. Once construction of the solar farm and the substation is completed, the access will be removed.
These works will mark the start of the main construction phase of the project. Deliveries to site will become a regular occurrence over the next couple of months with all vehicles following the approved route from the B3181. Access tracks will be constructed across the site, branching out from the existing compound. We will need to carry out further archaeological work in one of the fields to the north of the site and the construction of the access tracks is required to carry out this work.
During the last few months, we have been busy in the background, working with our chosen contractor, visiting the site regularly, carrying out surveys and putting together a plan for construction.
As mentioned in the last update, the consented access arrangements for the substation access point adjacent to The Old Post Office are not sufficient to meet the specification that NGED (National Grid Electricity Distribution) require. Therefore, we have been putting the finishing touches on a minor planning application that will ensure we are compliant with NGED’s requirements. This will be submitted into planning in the next few weeks. This alternative access will ensure vehicles can safely access the site and minimise disruption to other road users. It will not lead to an increase in traffic from the original consented application, and it will ensure that the temporary construction access will not need to become permanent.
Now that things are progressing, we will provide monthly updates in the village magazine and we will also be posting updates onto the project website: www.paytherdensolarfarm.co.uk. For any questions or comments, please contact our team via any of the following channels:
• Freepost THE Y-FACTORY (no stamps or further address details required)
• Freephone 0808 1698 082
• Email consultation@yfactory.co.uk
• Website www.paytherdensolarfarm.co.uk
Thank you for your interest.
Marlies Koutstaal
Community engagement consultant
On behalf of Bluefield