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DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Solar Farm on land between B4256 and Charles Street, Wauntysswg Farm, Abertysswg, Rhymney, NP22 5BQ.

LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY’S LOCAL IMPACT REPORT

PLANNING INSPECTORATE REF: APP/X6910/A/16/3154384 CAERPHILLY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL: 18/0626/DNS R KYTE HEAD OF REGENERATION AND PLANNING Tredomen House Tredomen Park Ystrad Mynach Hengoed CF82 7WF

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Contents

Page 1. The likely impact of the development on the area 3 2. Landscape impacts 3 3. Glint and glare 10 4. Highway impacts 12 5. Residential amenity impacts 13 6. Historic environment impacts 14 7. Habitat impacts 15 8. Planning history of the site 16 9. Local designations relevant to the site / surroundings and 16

relevant local planning policies, guidance or other documents

10. Secondary consents 21 11. Draft conditions 21 Map 1 Extract from LDP proposals map 23 Map 2 Location of site notices 24

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1. The likely impact of the development on the area

1.1 This local impact report (LIR) will concentrate on the likely impact of the proposed development on the area falling within Caerphilly County Borough (CCB). The extent of the solar farm is wholly within Blaenau Gwent County Borough (BGCB), with only the access to the site and cable route falling within CCB. Also, that area would be the location of the temporary site compound, car parking and turning area. The discussion will therefore be confined to the following areas:

Landscape impacts

Glint and glare

Highway impacts

Residential amenity impacts

Historic environment impacts

Habitat impacts

1.2 The only other aspect of the scheme within CCB is an area of off-site habitat enhancement for curlew on the western side of the valley.

2.1 Landscape impacts

The proposed development if approved would represent a sizeable and significant visual impact upon the Visually Important Local Landscape (VILL) within CCB, as defined in the Caerphilly County Borough Local Development Plan adopted in 2010. The site is located immediately adjacent to the Caerphilly Borough to the north east of the settlement of Abertysswg. The landscape in general is predominantly agricultural with pockets of linear settlement confined to the northwest-southeast aligned valleys. Isolated and sometimes nucleated farms and private residences are distributed throughout the study area.

2.2 The LVIA that accompanies the application states that enclosure levels vary and are heavily influenced by the surrounding topography and vegetation levels. Existing built form is confined to the linear settlements of Abertysswg and Rhymney. In addition, clusters of existing wind turbines and the presence of industry to the north along the Rhymney valley floor and A465 corridor characterise the otherwise open upland agricultural landscape, a large proportion of which is classified as VILL.

2.3 The LVIA also states the site is located in a landscape that is of high sensitivity to change due to it being an important Cultural and Historic valued landscape as classified by LANDMAP. The VILL has a distinctive strong visual character which is a predominantly upland and open area with distinctive rock outcrops, upper valley sides and extensive views across the Rhymney valley. Similarly the adjacent complementary landscape within BGCB is classified as Special Landscape Area (SLA).

2.4 The site straddles the BGCB and CCB boundary, with the majority of the solar farm site falling within the former. However, site access and associated infrastructure relating to grid connection are located partially within the latter. The

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Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) shown in Figure 6, however, shows that there is a significant visual impact from the proposed developments which covers and affects the CCB.

2.5 The LVIA undertaken is well structured and broadly follows the guidelines set down in the third edition of Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment published jointly by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental. The LVIA adequately assesses relevant landscape elements and features including topography, trees and hedgerows, farm land, and public rights of way (PRoW). The LVIA carries out a further detailed baseline study and analysis of the Landscape Character Visual and Sensory data, which is limited to Visual and Sensory data within a 2km radius of the site. The LVIA assesses the tranquillity as High. However, it is stated that, "It is not considered that the tranquillity levels would change as a result of the Proposed Development.’’ However, views of major infrastructure covering 58ha with its ordered uniform appearance will no doubt affect the viewers' perception of tranquillity, as tranquillity is a quality intrinsically associated with the presence of nature, visually pleasing surroundings and relaxing atmosphere, characteristics not generally associated with solar arrays of this magnitude.

2.6 Assessment of Landscape Character

The LVIA assesses two LANDMAP Visual and Sensory Aspect Areas affected and located adjacent to the site landscape within CCB:

East of Rhymney Visual and Sensory Aspect Area (CYNONVS716)

Rhoslas Visual and Sensory Aspect Area (CYNONVS361)

It is agreed that the visual impact on the Rhoslas aspect area is low and generally screened by topography from this aspect area, but the assessment of the East of Rhymney aspect area underestimates the impact as views of the site are afforded which will be higher magnitude of medium value with a moderate adverse effect on the East of Rhymney Visual and Sensory Aspect Area.

2.7 More importantly however, the LVIA omits to assess the VILL NH2.1 Northern Rhymney Valley non statutory designation, which is afforded protection within the CCB LDP due to the overall combined LANDMAP evaluation being either outstanding, high or moderate for the five LANDMAP aspect areas as detailed below.

LANDMAP Aspect area

Ref Area name Evaluation

Geological Landscape

CYNONGL008 Upper Rhymney and Bargoed Rhymney valley

Moderate

Landscape Habitat CYNONLH114 High

Landscape Habitat CYNONLH112 High

Landscape Habitat CYNONLH119 Moderate

Visual & Sensory CYNONVS785 Parc Cwm Darran Moderate

Visual & Sensory CYNONVS605 Cefn Y Brithdir Moderate

Visual & Sensory CYNONVS716 East of Rhymney Moderate

Historic Landscape CYNONHL831 Gelligaer Common Outstanding

Historic Landscape CYNONHL483 Rhymney Hill Moderate

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It is also noteworthy that the Visual and Sensory values are frequently only reduced by the adjacent urban development and LDP VILL designation serves to protect the landscape from further degradation. The LDP acknowledges that the primary landscape qualities and features of the VILL

2.8 It is also noteworthy that the Visual and Sensory values are frequently only reduced by the adjacent urban development, and LDP VILL designation serves to protect the landscape from further degradation. The LDP acknowledges that the primary landscape qualities and features of the VILL are its predominantly open upland landscape. It contains distinctive rocky hillsides with rock outcrops, upper valley sides and views across the Rhymney valley which give it a strong upland character, which is only occasionally limited by topography or vegetation.

2.9 There are two long term key policy management and development control issues for the VILL which are

Retain the open feel of the area, particularly the upland areas. Landscaping and planting to reduce the impact of the A465 and other development proposals may not be appropriate in this situation.

Prevent further loss of overall visual landscape quality and character on the settlement edge as a result of development. The settlement edges are sensitive and due care and consideration needs to be given to the wider visual landscape setting and character when making development decisions.

2.10 With Sensitivity therefore considered High and magnitude High, the overall effect is therefore considered to be Substantial adverse on the quality of this VILL. Therefore the LVIA has underestimated the adverse effect that the proposed 58ha solar farm will have on this locally significant landscape and will result in significant and substantial visual impact on the visual quality found in this tranquil open upland landscape.

2.11 The LPA do not concur with the assessments relating to Landform and Enclosure, Landscape Pattern and Complexity and Settlement pattern. The proposed solar farm will be seen from sensitive, close and midrange receptors, in context as larger than the adjacent settlement of Abertysswg. It will be seen as out of scale with the landscape dominating the field system, and the rigid gridlines, conflicting in lower lying areas with the more intimate and complex landscape pattern associated with the Abertysswg urban fringe.

2.12 The LVIA assesses Baseline Visual receptors within the ZTV which are generally acceptable, with the exception that it is not agreed that the 58ha solar farm would appear as a very small component in the wider composite view notable from sensitive landscape and visual receptors. The adverse visual effect on residential properties located within CCB is limited to a small number of properties located on the north east and eastern fringes of Abertysswg and will not result in any substantial visual impact as views are generally either oblique or limited to upper floors or generally filtered by existing vegetation.

Historic Landscape CYNONHL701 Rhymney Valley High

Cultural Landscape CYNONCL056 Designated Landscape Areas

High

Cultural Landscape CYNONCL045 Rhymney Sirhowy Ebbw Valleys

High

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2.13 There is no assessment of the visual impact on the highway surrounding the site notably the B4256 adjoining the northern and western boundary or the A469 to the south. Highways are frequently used and although views and receptors will be transient, sensitivity could be adjudged to be above low for the B4256 road being located within the VILL and views of valued scenic quality at medium sensitivity, with a high magnitude of change resulting in major adverse visual effect on users of this B road.

2.14 An assessment of Charles Street Abertysswg has been undertaken which is acceptable. PRoW in the locality have been listed but no assessment of the proposed solar farm’s visual impact on these rights of way or receptors using the PRoW has been provided other than those located at selected viewpoints 6, 7 and 9.

2.15 The LVIA has identified the following sites surroundings used for recreation within CCB:

Tredegar and Rhymney Golf Club (approximately 0.4km west of the Application Site

Tyla-du Plantation (approximately 2.6km southwest of the Application Site)

The LPA generally concurs with this assessment.

2.16 It is accepted that the short time scales for the construction and decommissioning of the proposed development would not give rise to notable Landscape Character or Visual effects above those assessed for the 30 years operational period. The LPA concurs with the assessment of the construction period as substantial adverse effect on visual amenity.

2.17 Post-construction, twelve representative photo viewpoints have been selected following analysis of the ZTV mapping and discussions with the planning authorities, six of which are located in CBC. The local planning authority generally concurs with the viewpoint selected within the CBC are acceptable with the exception of Viewpoint 10 which required additional assessment and baseline and montage photographs producing from the adjacent PRoW FP270 Gelligaer.

2.18 Zone of Theoretical Visibility within 5km study area.

This is an accurate depiction as illustrated in ZTV and Viewpoint Locations Figure 6 of the LVIA. Due to the upland landscape character and general lack of tree cover screening is limited principally to the landform and topography of the study area. It is worth noting that there is very limited visibility from the south east of the site within CCB due to steep topography and coniferous woodland screening the site. However, should the coniferous woodland be felled this will alter the current situation and increase visibility.

2.19 Assessment of Viewpoints 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 located with the CCB.

The effects of the proposed 58ha Solar Array development on visual amenity are generally represented by the viewpoint photographs/figures along with accompanying text, which despite shortcomings relating to field of view and sizes of printed images, as detailed earlier are generally informative and broadly representative of wider panorama views.

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2.20 Viewpoint 6 FIGURE 12: View from PRoW Rhymney FP64 to the southwest of Cwm-Tysswg. Viewing southeast. 0.2km from the site.

It is agreed with the assessment at this sensitive viewpoint, that the value of the view is considered to be High, that Magnitude is High and therefore the effect on Visual Amenity is Substantially adverse. However the Cumulative assessment underestimates the impact as views to the operational turbines located at Pen Bryn Oer, are available from this viewpoint with successive and sequential effects for walkers heading north on the PRoW, who will therefore experience an adverse cumulative effect.

2.21 Viewpoint 7 FIGURE 13: View from PRoW Rhymney FP64 south of Tredegar and Rhymney Golf Club 0.3km from the site.

It is agreed that the value of the view is considered to be High, that Magnitude is High and therefore the effect on Visual Amenity is Substantially adverse. However the Cumulative assessment underestimates the impact as views to the operational turbines located at Pen Bryn Oer, are available from this viewpoint with successive and sequential effects for walkers heading north on the PRoW, who will therefore experience an adverse cumulative effect from this viewpoint. The local planning authority agrees with the statement in the LVIA in relation to the above viewpoints 6 and 7 that: "11.24 In close range views, the presence of wind turbine and solar development in combination would be heightened by the other in a combined cumulative effect and would change the local landscape character of the upland plateau which is largely unspoilt, with few detractors.’’

2.22 Viewpoint 8 FIGURE 14: View from Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk (long distance trail) to the north of Fochriw. Viewing northeast. 2.6km from the site.

The assessment at this sensitive viewpoint located on the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk is supported. However detractors are very few and the assessment has picked up on the only distractor to be found, street lighting, which is not representative of the long distance walk as a whole, only found where the PRoW crosses the Pontlottyn Road. It is agreed that the value of the view is considered to be High. However, the Magnitude should be assessed as low to negligible as it will be partially within view above the settlement of Abertysswg with in open upland areas where there is little development. The site will be mainly screened by topography. The effect on Visual Amenity would be minor adverse. The Cumulative assessment states that there will be no cumulative effect with operational or planned turbines from this viewpoint.

2.23 Viewpoint 9 FIGURE 15: View from Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk to the south of Pontlottyn. Viewing northeast. 2.2km from the site.

The assessment at this sensitive viewpoint, that the value of the view is considered to be High for both views from the VILL and the long distance Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk PRoW, is supported. However, the Magnitude of change for walkers and the view from the VILL should be assessed as High as the proposed development is located between the clearly defined settlements located on the lower lying valley sides and turbines along the skylines and add a new band of infrastructure to what otherwise is open upland areas devoid of built form. Views are oblique but they are the main views from the PRoW, as no view is afforded to the west, and limited views are available to the south, due to topography with the eye drawn to the south east for walkers travelling south.

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Therefore, the effect on Visual Amenity is assessed to be increased to Substantially adverse. The Cumulative assessment underestimates the impact as extensive views to existing operational turbines are available from this viewpoint with successive and sequential effects for walkers heading both south and north on the PRoW, who will therefore experience an adverse cumulative effect from this viewpoint illustrated on Figure 36 Proposed Viewpoint montage.

2.24 Viewpoint 10 FIGURE 16: View from the edge of High Street, Rhymney (A469) to the north of Troedrhiwfuwch Farm. Viewing north. 1.7km from the site.

This viewpoint is representative of views experienced by road users travelling north along the A469 and within the VILL. There are a small number of detractors associated with the A road but these are limited. For road users travelling at speed along the A road to the north the proposal would be assessed as medium sensitivity. Although views are transient, views are sustained along an extensive north bound stretch of the A road along which the eye is naturally drawn to the east and to where the proposed site is located. It is also expected an assessment should have been carried out from the PRoW FP270 Gelligaer and been included. This PRoW is located, within the VILL, approximately 20 metres to the north of this viewpoint, which affords direct medium range views to the east of the proposed site and would be classed as high sensitivity. It is not agreed that the magnitude is low as the proposed development would be a clearly discernible man-made element evident in the views to the north east, where the eye is naturally drawn. This would be assessed as medium for road users and high magnitude for users of the PRoW. The effect on visual amenity would be assessed as moderate adverse for road users travelling at speed and Substantial adverse for users of the PRoW in the VILL as a whole. The Cumulative assessment underestimates the impact as extensive views to existing very large 100m operational turbines at Pen Bryn Oer are available for users of the A469 travelling north and direct views of both the turbines and proposed site will be experienced from the PRoW with a substantially adverse combined cumulative effects, notably for walkers heading east along the PRoW. The movement of the very large turbines attracts the eye and it is highly likely would draw the receptors' attention to the static solar arrays, located less than 2km within mid-range views afforded of the site.

2.25 Viewpoints 11 FIGURE 17: View from Access Land to the west of Pentwyn and to the north of Gelligaer Common. Viewing northeast. 3.8km from the site.

The LVIA assessment of this viewpoint located at 3.8km to the south west as the site will be screened by intervening topography is supported.

2.26 Viewpoint 12 FIGURE 18: View from Triangulation Station at Pen Garnbugail. To the north of Gelligaer Common. Viewing northeast. 4.3km from the site.

The LVIA assessment of this viewpoint located at 4.3km to the south west as the site will be screened by intervening topography is supported.

2.27 Cumulative Effects

The report states that there will be no cumulative effects with any other operational solar schemes in the study area and this is supported. However, as existing energy infrastructure is present within views (principally in the form of single and clusters of wind turbines) from sensitive viewpoints of 6, 7, 9 and 10 all located within the Caerphilly Borough VILL within which the proposed solar farm would be seen, it is a concern that such large development would be seen in combination or

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succession and give rise to an increased cumulative adverse effect on the receptor. Similarly such increased presence raises concerns about the likelihood of changes in landscape character of the surrounding upland landscape. In addition, if approved the increase proliferation in large scale infrastructure would potentially assist future development, as the presence of the solar farm is highly likely to be seen as detractor within the landscape baseline, having changed the local landscape character for a considerably lengthy period until decommissioned.

2.28 Conclusion

The proposed solar farm would have a negative impact on the landscape.

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3. Glint and Glare 3.1 The application is supported by a Glint and Glare assessment the contents of

which are summarised below. Receptor points were selected which are within 5km of the proposed solar farm site. The ZTV was used to identify areas with potential views of the site. A total of 104 potential receptor points were selected for analysis, and included:

- 73 residential properties; - 7 points along 2 roads; - 21 points along 27 footpaths; - 2 points at Scheduled Ancient Monuments; and - 1 point at an amenity receptor

3.2 Residential Receptors

Taking account of intervening vegetation, topography and buildings the potential for glint effects at many of these points was eliminated. Glint effects at the remaining points were predicted to occur for between 6 and 27 minutes. Screening, both by vegetation and buildings close to the receptors and by panel screening on site, would significantly reduce these durations. Also, glint effects can only occur when there is a direct line of sight to the source of the glint. This means that any resident of these properties would need to be looking at the panels to experience glint effects. Glint effects would not be experienced by residents within the property who did not have a direct view of the panels causing the glint. In addition, the glint effects are likely to only come from a few panels on the site at any one time with this area moving across the site for the duration of the glint effects. For these reasons potential glint effects on residential properties are not considered to be significant.

3.3 Amenity Receptors

One amenity receptor was chosen due to its proximity to the site. Glint effects at this receptor are predicted to occur for no more than 32 minutes during the early morning between 6:03 AM and 6:52 AM. Due to the angle of the property (southwest away from the site) and early morning timing of the potential glint, the effects on this receptor are considered not to be significant.

3.4 Road Users

The road points selected are points at which the site is considered to be most visible from vehicles using these roads. Glint effects at these 3 road receptors are predicted to occur for no more than 20 minutes during the early morning between 6:01 AM and 6:38 AM. When intervening vegetation and topography are taken into account, the duration of these glint effects will be reduced. Due to the transitory nature of the road-based receptors and early morning timings of the potential glint effects the impacts are not considered to be significant.

3.5 Public Rights of Way

The points selected along footpaths are points at which the site is expected to be most visible by members of the public, and only 11 may experience glint effects. When intervening vegetation, topography and buildings are taken into account, the potential for glint effects at 7 of these points is eliminated. Predicted glint effects at one of the receptors will occur in the early morning between 6:03 AM and 7:06

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AM. These effects have the potential to last up to 39 minutes on any one day although panels close to the receptor should screen panels further away across the site, reducing this duration. Due to the transitory nature of the receptors and early morning timings of the potential glint effects the impacts at this receptor are not considered to be significant.

3.6 Predicted glint effects at the other 3 receptors are predicted to occur for no more than 17 minutes between 5:09 PM and 6:02 PM. Vegetation and topography will slightly reduce these effects. When the transitory nature of any views which would be experienced by people walking or cycling along these public rights of way is considered the potential significance of any glint effects is further reduced. Taking into account the existing screening and worst case predictions for glint effects, glint is not considered to represent a significant impact on pedestrians or cyclists in the vicinity of the site.

3.7 Cultural Heritage Receptors

The two Scheduled Ancient Monuments analysed will not technically experience glint effects, therefore glint is not considered to represent a significant impact upon cultural heritage assets.

3.8 Mitigation

No significant impacts are predicted as a result of glint effects from the proposal. Infilling of the existing hedgerows around the site will enhance the existing screening and further reduce any potential residual glint effects. It is recommended that new and existing planting surrounding the site is maintained to provide continued screening benefits throughout the operation of the solar farm.

3.9 Conclusion

The conclusions of the assessment are accepted, and the impacts of the development in respect of glint and glare will be neutral.

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4. Highway impacts

4.1 The construction period is expected to last for up to 4 months, but the construction programme and corresponding construction traffic strategy may be subject to change following the appointment of a construction contractor and prior to work commencing on site. Any substantial changes in the build program or number of vehicular movements will be communicated to BGCBC and CCBC in advance of construction. Construction HGVs will route to the site from the A4048 from the east or the A465 / A469 from the west via the B4256. Access will be taken from the eastern side of the B4256 where a new access junction is proposed to the south of the existing access to an adjoining farm. The applicant estimates that the site would have a maximum of up to 100 staff on site at any one time during the construction period. The Travel Plan seeks to minimise travel by single occupancy vehicles.

4.2 All materials and plant associated with the development process will be stored within the temporary construction compound. Deliveries will vary in amount with an average of approximately three deliveries (three inbound / three outbound movements) per day over the 16 week period. It is anticipated that most of deliveries will be made via low loader vehicles and rigid HGVs.

4.3 Construction vehicles would leave the A469 or the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road at the southern dumbbell roundabout onto the B4257 and travel south through Rhymney, turning left onto the B4256 Hill Street which continues to the site access. Construction vehicles exiting to the west would travel along the above but in the reverse direction.

4.4 A Site Manager will evaluate details of the daily profile of deliveries proposed for the upcoming week. Through discussions with hauliers the Site Manager will ensure that the deliveries are spread out across the week and across the day to minimise any potential disruption. All deliveries will then be met by a member of staff who will assist vehicles entering, exiting and manoeuvring around the site. The construction process will be managed by the appointed Site Manager employed by the contractor. The Site Manager’s responsibilities will include acting as a point of contact for the local authority, stakeholders and members of the public. Further to this, the Site Manager will also be responsible for delivery scheduling, construction route compliance and managing other contractors employed on-site. To further control the environmental impacts of the development, measures to be employed include covering any skips and vehicles to prevent overspill, wheel washing facilities, mitigation measures for noise, employing local contractors and the implementation of a waste management strategy.

4.4 Conclusion

The impacts of the development on the highway will be significant but temporary, along roads that already accommodate commercial traffic as well as public service vehicles. Therefore the overall impact will be neutral.

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5. Residential amenity impacts

5.1 There are no residential properties within Caerphilly Borough whose amenity will be directly affected by the solar farm once built.

5.2 If construction traffic approaches from the west, it will have to travel along the B4257 and the B4256. These are residential streets which in places are relatively narrow and tortuous. The junction of the two roads is a hairpin. The traffic would be noticeable for the residents of the adjacent properties, and would cause some disturbance. However, that impact would be temporary, lasting only some four months, at the beginning and at the end of the project.

5.3 Conclusion

There would be a significant but temporary impact, which therefore would be neutral

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6. Historic environment impact

6.1 The main impact of the proposals has been identified as having a substantial adverse impact on the setting of extractive industry area EA072. Various mitigation measures are being explored to reduce this impact. The Southeast Wales Industrial Ironworks Landscapes project describes this site as a small extractive area depicted on 1st edition OS maps consisting of two gravel pits to the west, a trial level and an old ironstone level in the north. The Iron works it is linked to is unknown and there was no linking tramway. The proposed trackway from the site to the B4256 also has the potential to affect upstanding elements of EA072 in which case the impact could be moderate-substantial adverse.

6.2 Conclusion

The impact of the access road is not wholly known at present, since the mitigation measures have not been set out. Therefore, it is considered that as the scheme stands, the impact will be negative.

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7 Habitat impact 7.1 The part of the site within CCB is a mixture of semi-improved grassland, marshy

grassland (soft rush) / rush pasture, and semi-improved acid grassland. 7.2 A bird survey identified eight breeding bird species seven of which were Species

of Principle Importance in Wales or UKBAP priority species. Three Species of Principle Importance in Wales were recorded as breeding within the solar array development footprint (curlew 1 pair; skylark 5 pairs; meadow pipit 9 pairs; and linnet 2 pair). The other species of conservation concern recorded in streamside habitats adjacent to the development were reed bunting, cuckoo, willow warbler and grey wagtail.

7.3 No features with bat roost potential were identified, but it is considered likely that

common lizard, slow worm, grass snake and potentially adder occur within the footprint of the development or the adjacent habitats.

7.4 With regard to the development within CCB, it is stated that, “All tracks and access

roads will be made out of permeable material (gravel or reinforced grass) reducing any potential increase in runoff.” There will be a need for a bridge at the end of the track to cross the stream, and it is stated that, “All watercourse crossing points will have a low impact bridge design with the structures over the channel being no more than 2m wide. Task specific ecological method statements will be prepared for the all works adjacent to streams. These will define the working area, watercourse protection measures, broader environmental protection procedures, and any localised post-works habitat restoration.”

7.5 Conclusion

The access and cable route and bridge will if properly mitigated have a minor impact on habitat and species, but there is little evidence about the nature and temporary impacts of the compound, car parking and turning area, and their mitigation and restoration. The land by its nature is wet and will require excavation or consolidation to make it suitable for the proposed use. On that basis, it is considered that the impact will be negative.

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8. Planning history of the site

8.1 There is no planning history for the land associated with the parts of the development within CCB.

9. Local designations relevant to the site / surroundings and relevant local planning policies, guidance or other documents

9.1 The development plan for the area is the Caerphilly County Borough Local Development Plan (LDP) up to 2021 adopted in 2010. The strategy for the area is set out in the following policy

Policy SP1 Development Strategy - Development in the Heads of the

Valleys Regeneration Area

Proposals in the Heads of the Valley Regeneration Area will be required to:

A Promote the north of the County Borough as a tourist, employment and residential area at the heart of the valleys city region and

B Provide appropriate forms of growth in response to the role and function of settlements and

C Serve to address existing problems of deprivation in order to sustain and develop communities in a manner that is consistent with the underlying principles of sustainable development

9.2 The following countywide policies are of relevance to the proposal under consideration.

Policy CW2 Amenity

Development proposals must have regard for all relevant material planning considerations in order to satisfy the following requirements: A There is no unacceptable impact on the amenity of adjacent properties or land B The proposal would not result in overdevelopment of the site and / or its surroundings C The proposed use is compatible with surrounding land-uses and would not constrain the development of neighbouring sites for their identified land-use D Where applicable, the viability of existing neighbouring land uses would not be compromised by virtue of their potential impact upon the amenity of proposed new residential development

Policy CW3 Design Considerations – Highways Development proposals must satisfy the following highways requirements: A The proposal has regard for the safe, effective, and efficient use of the transportation network B The proposal ensures that new access roads within development proposals are designed to a standard that:

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i Promotes the interests of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport before that of the private car, and ii Safely and effectively accommodates the scale and nature of traffic, which those roads are intended to serve C Parking, appropriate servicing and operational space have been provided in accordance with the CSS Wales Parking Standards 2008 D Where access onto a highway is required the proposal takes account of the restrictions relevant to the class of road as designated in the road hierarchy ensuring movements and speeds are controlled through appropriate design, in order to ensure highway safety and amenity

Policy CW15 General Locational Constraints

Development proposals will be considered against the following criteria, where they apply: A Development proposals will not be permitted if they prejudice the implementation of wider comprehensive redevelopment or constrain the development of any adjacent site for its allocated land-use B Within settlement boundaries proposals for all types of development accord with the role and function of the settlement within which they are located, and C Outside settlement boundaries proposals will not be permitted unless the proposed development is either: i Associated with either agriculture, forestry or the winning and working of minerals or ii For the conversion, rehabilitation or replacement of rural buildings and dwellings, or iii For recreation, leisure and tourism proposals that are suitable in a countryside location or iv Associated with the provision of public utilities, infrastructure and waste management facilities that cannot reasonably be located elsewhere or v Associated with the reclamation / treatment of derelict or contaminated land

9.3 An extract is attached from the LDP proposals map.

9.4 To the west and south of the site, the green wash on the map denotes a VILL. Policy CW4 (Natural Heritage Protection) of the plan states that:

Development proposals that affect locally designated natural heritage features will only be permitted:

A Where they conserve and where appropriate enhance the distinctive or characteristic features of the Special Landscape Area (SLA) or Visually Important Local Landscape (VILL).

B Within, or in close proximity to sites designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Local Nature Reserves (LNR), Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS), Green Corridors, or Local Priority Habitats and Species, where proposals either:

i Conserve and where appropriate enhance the ecological or geological importance of the designation, or

ii Are such that the need for the development outweighs the ecological importance of the site, and where harm is minimised by

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mitigation measures and offset as far as practicable by compensation measures designed to ensure that there is no reduction in the overall value of the area or feature.

9.5 For the Heads of the Valley area, Policy NH2 (Visually Important Local Landscapes (VILLs)) states:

Visually Important Local Landscapes are identified and will be protected at the following locations:

NH2.1 Northern Rhymney Valley

NH2.2 Manmoel

The one adjacent to the application site is NH2.1 The reasoned justification in the plan states that VILLs are non-statutory designations that seek to protect the distinctive features or characteristics of the visual and sensory landscape of the County Borough and how we perceive and respond to the landscape around us. VILLS have been identified using only the visual and sensory layer of LANDMAP. It is also stated that Development will only be permitted where it conserves and, where appropriate, enhances the distinctive visual and sensory landscape features or characteristics of the VILL. Development proposals should demonstrate that these features of the visual and sensory LANDMAP aspect layer are conserved and, where appropriate enhanced for the benefit of the visual landscape.

9.6 The appendix to the LDP sets out the particular features of the VILL as follows.

NH2.1 Northern Rhymney Valley

Relevance against Strategic Criteria

Need

The proposed VILL abuts the Upper Rhymney and Gelligaer SLAs. These areas did not fulfil the new criteria required for SLA designation but several aspects (or their sub-criteria) are of High Visual and Sensory evaluation and therefore would benefit from VILL designation.

The Visual and Sensory values are frequently only reduced by the adjacent urban development and VILL designation should serve to protect the landscape from further degradation. These areas are also currently of importance to those urban areas for their views out.

Coherence

The Northern Rhymney VILL has two proposed areas, separated by the urban development of Abertysswg. Adjacent areas of moderate evaluation are included within the VILL boundaries for cohesion and their locally important status.

Consensus

Three aspects within the proposed VILL were previously designated SLAs in the UDP. These areas did not qualify under the SLA designation methodology.

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Primary Landscape Qualities and Features

The visual character of the VILL is a predominantly upland and open area. Distinctive rocky hillside with rock outcrops, upper valley sides and views across the Rhymney valley give it a strong upland character, occasionally limited by topography and / or vegetation.

The upland sense of place is complicated by urban edges and visual detractors (pylons) but increases with elevation and views out. Stone walls are the usual boundary treatment in the area.

Surrounding the VILL is a complex mix of broadleaf / coniferous woodland. Adjacent to the Nant Bargod Rhymni, Parc Cwm Darran is a very scenic area with high quality traditional buildings and good facilities in excellent repair.

Scattered rural settlements and farms are the predominant built form in the area. Evidence of industrial and mining throughout the VILL.

Wind noise is a dominant sensory feature, which evokes particular experiences of exposure and wildness on the upland areas.

Key Policy, Management and Development Control Issues

Long Term

Prevent further loss of overall visual landscape quality and character on the settlement edge as a result of development. The settlement edges are sensitive and due care and consideration needs to be given to the wider visual landscape setting and character when making development decisions.

Retain the open feel of the area, particularly the upland areas. Landscaping and planting to reduce the impact of the A465 and other development proposals may not be appropriate in this situation.

Encourage reduced grazing. Possibly introduce the Tir Gofal scheme or current equivalent to the area, and / or more long-term sustainable agricultural management practices.

Seek to prevent the spread of bracken and coniferous plantations across the area through long-term sustainable management regimes.

Medium Term

Restrict visual detractors such as pylons, industrial debris and turbines in the area to conserve the openness of the upland areas and valley sides.

Removal of industrial debris and reclaim the post-industrial and mining sites, retaining some of the key industrial features as a link to the past.

Immediate

Retain, enhance and promote the use of stone walls as the Primary boundary wall treatment in the area. Stone walls or stock proof fencing should be promoted as the appropriate preference for all development proposals that involve boundary treatments.

Seek to restore the natural landscape, maximising natural vegetation and removing fly tipping, litter, burnt / dumped cars and illegal off-

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roading etc. which are major problems in many locations across the VILL.

9.7 The settlement of Abertysswg also lies to the south of the application site, demarcated by a brown line on the Proposals Map, within which there are a number of housing and leisure allocations (denoted HG and LE respectively). Beyond Abertysswg to the south is a large leisure allocation (LE4.2). Policy LE4 allocates land for formal leisure facilities, including playing pitches.

9.8 There is a site of importance for nature conservation (SINC) (NH3.14) adjacent to the leisure allocation. Policy CW4 set out above applies in respect of this allocation. For the Heads of the Valley area, Policy NH3 (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs)) states:

Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation are identified and will be protected at the following locations:…

NH3.14 Coed Cefn-Rhychdir, North of New Tredegar …

9.9 The appendix to the LDP sets out the particular features of the SINC as follows

NH3.14 Coed Cefn-Rhychdir, North of New Tredegar

Area (hectares): 43.3

Qualifying features:

Primary

Ancient woodland with an assemblage of seminatural indicator species.

Acid grassland / heath with at least 7 indicator species.

Secondary

Rock outcrops, cliffs and scree.

Bracken.

Scrub.

9.10 The allocations discussed above are underlain by a diagonal hatching which denotes a coal safeguarding area. Policy MN2 identifies the areas MN2.2 and MN2.3 which are east of Rhymney and south of Abertysswg respectively. Policy SP8 of the LDP states that:

The Council will contribute to the regional demand for a continuous supply of minerals by:

A Safeguarding known resources of coal, sand and gravel and hard rock

B Maintaining a minimum 10-year land bank of permitted aggregate reserves in line with national guidance

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10. Secondary consents

There are no secondary consents on the part of the site within CCB.

11. Draft conditions

11.1 The main issues to be addressed by condition are the impact of traffic on the highway, the materials of the access adjacent to the highway, the materials to be used for the construction of the access, the cable route, the nature of the temporary compound and associated development, and the habitat mitigation measures. The following conditions are therefore suggested.

11.2 Prior to the first use of the access to the development hereby approved, the first 10 metres shall be surfaced in a manner to be agreed in writing with the local planning authority.

REASON: To prevent material being carried on to the highway.

11.3 Prior to its construction, details of the access road for the development shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the local planning authority. Those details shall include materials and the method of drainage. The access road shall be constructed in accordance with the agreed details.

REASON: To ensure adequate access to the solar farm, and in the interest of the visual amenity of the locality.

11.4 Prior to their construction, details of the temporary compound, car parking and turning area shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the local planning authority. The details shall include materials, structures, boundary treatment, means of drainage, surfacing, plant and machinery, lighting, and any storage including liquids. The compound, car parking and turning area shall be constructed in accordance with the agreed details.

REASON: In the interest of the wildlife habitat of the area, and any historic assets.

11.5 Prior to the construction of the compound, car parking and turning area, details of the mitigation of the impact of those facilities on the existing habitat and species, and method and timing of restoration following their removal from site shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the local planning authority. The agreed details shall be complied with and the site restored in accordance with the agreed details.

REASON: In the interests of the wildlife habitat of the area.

11.6 Prior to the installation of the cable route, details of the method of work and site restoration shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the local planning authority. The installation shall be carried out in accordance with the agreed details.

REASON: In the interests of the wildlife habitat of the area.

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11.7 Prior to its construction details of the bridge crossing the Nant Tysswg shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the agreed scheme.

REASON: In the interests of the wildlife habitat of the area.

11.8 Construction traffic associated with the development hereby approved shall be controlled in the manner set out in the Construction Traffic Management Plan (reference DA/adf/sjs/JNY8819-01B) submitted in support of the application subject of this consent.

REASON: In the interest of highway safety.

12. Publicity

12.1 Site notices were posted at the following locations on 6th August 2018:

Troedrhiwfuwch on the A469, at the entrance to public footpath Gelligaer 270

North-eastern end of Greensway, Abertysswg

Near the location of the proposed entrance to the development, off the B4256 and

In two places on Hill Street, Rhymney. 12.2 Those locations are shown on the attached map

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Map 2 – Site notice locations

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (As Amended)

The Developments of National Significance (Procedure) (Wales) Order 2016

The Developments of National Significance (Wales) Regulations 2016

Notice is hereby given that Elgin Energy EsCO Ltd has submitted an application

for a Development of National Significance (DNS) to the Welsh Ministers for: Solar Park, Access and Ancillary Development

The site is located at Land between B4256 and Charles Street, Wauntysswg

Farm, Abertysswg, Rhymney, Tredegar, NP22 5BQ Members of the public can view the application documents online at

https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?Caseid=3154384&CoID=0, or at Blaenau Gwent County Council or Caerphilly County Council

offices at all reasonable hours.

The timetable for the submission of evidence has begun and interested persons may submit representations to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Welsh

Ministers (details below) by 06 September 2018. All representations will be published to the Appeals Casework Portal website as soon as the deadline has passed.

More information on the DNS process, including a guide for communities can be

found at: http://gov.wales/topics/planning/developcontrol/developments-of-national-significance/?lang=en.

Isabel Nethell Head of Service

The Planning Inspectorate Crown Buildings Cathays Park

Cardiff CF10 3NQ

0303 444 5940 Dns.wales@pins.gsi.gov.uk

Date: 02 August 2018

Deddf Cynllunio Gwlad a Thref 1990 (Fel y’i Diwygiwyd)

Gorchymyn Datblygiadau o Arwyddocâd Cenedlaethol (Gweithdrefn) (Cymru) 2016

Rheoliadau Datblygiadau o Arwyddocâd Cenedlaethol (Cymru) 2016

Hysbysir drwy hyn bod Elgin Energy EsCO Ltd wedi cyflwyno cais ar gyfer

Datblygiad o Arwyddocâd Cenedlaethol i Weinidogion Cymru ar gyfer: Parc Solar, Mynediad a Datblygu Ategol

Mae’r safle wedi’i leoli ar dir rhwng ffordd y B4256 a Stryd Charles, Fferm

Wauntyswg, Abertyswg, Rhymni, Tredegar, NP22 5BQ Mae aelodau’r cyhoedd yn gallu gweld dogfennau’r cais ar-lein yn

https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?Caseid=3154384&CoID=0 neu yn swyddfeydd Cyngor Sir Blaenau Gwent neu Gyngor Sir Caerffili

yn ystod oriau rhesymol.

Mae’r amserlen ar gyfer cyflwyno tystiolaeth wedi dechrau a gall personau â buddiant gyflwyno sylwadau i’r Arolygiaeth Gynllunio ar ran Gweinidogion Cymru

(mae’r manylion isod) erbyn 6 Medi 2018. Bydd yr holl sylwadau’n cael eu cyhoeddi ar wefan y Porth Gwaith Achos Apeliadau cyn gynted ag y bydd y dyddiad cau wedi mynd heibio.

Gellir dod o hyd i ragor o wybodaeth am y broses Datblygiadau o Arwyddocâd

Cenedlaethol, gan gynnwys canllawiau ar gyfer cymunedau, yn: http://gov.wales/topics/planning/developcontrol/developments-of-national-significance/?lang=cy.

Isabel Nethell

Pennaeth y Gwasanaeth Yr Arolygiaeth Gynllunio Adeilad y Goron

Parc Cathays Caerdydd

CF10 3NQ 0303 444 5940 Dns.wales@pins.gsi.gov.uk

Dyddiad: 02 Awst 2018