Planning Application

In December 2022 RES submitted a planning application for a 49.9MW solar farm on lands between Thoroton and Hawksworth.

Electronic copies of the planning application and accompanying documents can be viewed or downloaded by clicking on the links below.

Volume 1

Application Form
Design and Access Statement
Planning Statement
Statement of Community Involvement

Volume 2 - Figures

Figure 1 - Site Location Plan
Figure 2 - Site Location Map
Figure 3 - Field Numbers
Figure 4 - Infrastructure Layout
Figure 5 - Infrastructure Layout
Figure 6 - Access Track Detail
Figure 7 - Construction Compound Detail
Figure 8 - PV Module and Rack Detail
Figure 9 - Security Fence Detail
Figure 10 - CCTV Detail
Figure 11 - Inverter Station
Figure 12a - Substation Layout Option 1
Figure 12b - Substation Layout Option 2
Figure 13 - Deer Fence Detail
Figure 14 - Sheep Handling System Detail
Figure 15 - Indicative Track with Bridleway Crossing

Volume 3 - Technical Appendices

Technical Appendix 1 - Landscape and Visual Assessment

• Figure 1.1 - Landscape Character Areas
• Figure 1.2 - Landscape Designations
• Figure 1.3 - Viewpoint Locations with ZTV
• Figure 1.4 - Viewpoints 1 and 2
• Figure 1.5 - Viewpoints 3 and 4
• Figure 1.6 - Viewpoints 5 and 6
• Figure 1.7 - Viewpoints 7 and 8
• Figure 1.8 - Viewpoint 1 Years 1 and 10
• Figure 1.9 - Viewpoint 4 Years 1 and 10
• Figure 1.10 - Viewpoint 5 Years 1 and 10
• Figure 1.11 - Viewpoint 6 Years 1 and 10
• Figure 1.12 - Landscape and Ecological Management Plan
• Appendix 1D - Illustrative Viewpoints A-B Photo Panels

Technical Appendix 2 - Ecological Appraisal

• Figure 2.1 - Environmental Designations
• Figure 2.2 - UK Habitat Classification
• Figure 2.3 - Pond Map
• Figure 2.4 - Local Wildlife Sites
• Appendix 2.1 - Biodiversity Management Plan
• Appendix 2.2 - Net Gain Assessment
• Appendix 2.3 - Bird Hazard Management Plan

Technical Appendix 3 - Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment

• Figure 3.1 - Designated Heritage Assets
• Figure 3.2 - Historic Environment Record
• Figure 3.3 - Henry Stevens 1820 Map of Newark on Trent
• Figure 3.4 - OS 1883 Map
• Figure 3.5 - OS 1921 Map
• Figure 3.6 - Lidar Data
• Appendix 3B - Tables
• Appendix 3C - Walkover Survey Report
• Appendix 3D - Geophysical Survey Report part 1
• Appendix 3D - Geophysical Survey Report part 2

Technical Appendix 4 - Flood Risk and Drainage Impact Assessment

• Figures
• Appendix 4B - Hydrology Photos
• Appendix 4C - Flow Report_Solar
• Appendix 4D - Flow Report_Substation
• Appendix 4E - BRE Infiltration Report
• Appendix 4F - Outline SuDs Design
• Appendix 4G - Foul Drainage Assessment

Technical Appendix 5 - Construction Traffic Management Plan

Figures

Technical Appendix 6 - Glint and Glare Assessment

Figures
Appendices

Technical Appendix 7 - Noise Assessment

Technical Appendix 8 - Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan

Technical Appendix 9 - Agricultural Land Classification Survey

Appendices

Technical Appendix 10 - Arboricultural Impact Assessment

Appendices

Planning Appeal

Following Rushcliffe Borough Council’s refusal of its application for Longhedge Solar Farm, in September 2023, RES lodged an appeal. RES, as applicant, considered the original design of the scheme fitted sensitively into the existing landscape whilst maximising the low carbon, low-cost electricity generation. We however, considered feedback from statutory consultees and the community and made amendments, as part of the appeal, relating to the removal of solar infrastructure north of Hawksworth village. The updated site plan can be viewed by clicking on the link below. Minor changes were also made to the proposed hedgerow planting scheme, details of which can be found in the Landscape Masterplan linked below.

Updated Site Boundary

Landscape Masterplan

In October 2024, the Planning Inspectorate allowed the appeal and planning permission has been granted for the Longhedge Solar Farm.