RES completed a comprehensive pre-application engagement programme, for the Longhedge Solar Farm, in order to proactively inform and engage with the local community and key stakeholders. 

In April 2022, we held a public exhibition in the local area to enable people to find out more about the proposal and provide us with their views. The feedback was taken into account along with the results of site surveys and assessments, as we finalised the design of the solar farm. 

Feedback from the community resulted in a number of changes being made to the design to ensure the solar farm fits sensitively into the existing landscape whilst maximising the low carbon, low cost electricity generation. 

Changes made included removal of solar infrastructure from the eastern field as well as from a large section from the far north-eastern field. To further reduce any potential visibility, the height of the solar panels was reduced from 3.5m to 2.8m. 

RES also consulted with the British Horse Society (BHS) as well as a representative of the rambler’s association. Their feedback, the British Horse Society advice on solar farms and the Notts Area Ramblers’ Policy Solar Energy (England) helped to inform the design for the Longhedge Solar Farm, particularly with regard to the bridleway widths to be maintained and set-back distances from inverters. 

The Statement of Community Involvement provides a comprehensive record of the preapplication public consultation undertaken for Longhedge Solar Farm.