Gyn Taff Solar Farm would be located approximately 2 km to the east of Pontypridd Town centre.

The scheme extends to approximately 71 hectares of grade 4 agricultural land on the southern slopes of Eglwysilan Common, to the southeast of Pontypridd Golf Club.

The proposed site is situated within the wards of Rhydfelin Central, Trallwng and Treforest, in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Surveys have been undertaken on a range of considerations, including ecology, landscape and visual impact, heritage and archaeology and noise to inform the final design of the solar farm.

Our studies have been conducted to ensure we identify any potential impacts and put in place appropriate mitigation measures for the project. Our Environmental Statement chapters set out all the surveys that have been undertaken and the findings and include:

A series of studies have been undertaken of the site in order to provide a detailed understanding of the current water environment and ground conditions. This included desk-based assessments and several phases of fieldwork.

The comprehensive Flood Risk and Drainage Impact Assessment (FRADIA) supporting the draft planning application has evaluated potential flood risk and surface water management requirements. Based on this assessment, the Proposed Development incorporates sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS), such as swales, attenuation basins, and vegetated buffer zones, to effectively manage surface water runoff and reduce downstream flood risk.

To further safeguard local watercourses, the proposed development will implement stringent pollution prevention and mitigation strategies such as designated buffer zones around water bodies to maintain natural filtration processes and protect aquatic habitats.

We are committed to delivering a responsible and environmentally sensitive renewable energy scheme that safeguards local water resources while contributing to the transition to clean energy.

Further details are available in chapter 5 of the Environmental Statement.

The main site access point being considered during construction and operational is currently through Bryntail Farm via Bryntail Lane.

We are committed to carefully managing traffic and minimising disruption during the construction and operation of the solar farm.

Construction phase

If consented, construction is expected to take 12 months. The construction traffic is currently estimated to be in the region of approximately 20 HGV movements a day.

A Construction Traffic & Management Plan (CTMP) will be in place to ensure all vehicle movements are well-planned and controlled. During construction, traffic will be managed through:

• Agreed access routes – Working with local authorities, particularly Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, to avoid sensitive areas and reduce the impact on local roads.
• Controlled hours – No construction traffic during peak commuting times or school drop-off/pick-up period.
• Traffic calming measures – Including passing bays where needed to ensure safe vehicle movements on narrow rural roads.

Operational phase

Once operational, the solar farm will generate minimal traffic with only between 15 and 20 vehicle movements a year for maintenance visits. The site will have designated storage areas for:

• Temporary storage of materials during construction.
• Spare parts and essential maintenance equipment.
• A base for any necessary repairs over the lifespan of the solar farm.

Further details are available in chapter 6 of the Environmental Statement.

Minimising local impact

To minimise local disruption, we will:

• Implement a structured delivery schedule to prevent congestion.
• Use a designated site entrance and exit strategy for safe and efficient access.
• Maintain regular communication with the local community about construction timelines and any temporary traffic measures.

These measures will ensure that the solar farm is developed and maintained with minimal impact on local roads, communities, and the surrounding environment.

Further details are available in chapter 6 of the Environmental Statement.

A Glint and Glare Assessment supporting the draft planning application has undertaken a thorough analysis of any potential reflective effects from the proposed solar panels.

It is important to highlight that modern solar panel technology has been specifically designed to minimise glint and glare. The photovoltaic (PV) panels proposed will be coated with anti-reflective materials that significantly reduce surface reflection, and their primary function is to absorb sunlight rather than reflect it, ensuring maximum energy efficiency. It is therefore considered the level of reflected light from solar panels is considerably lower than from common surfaces such as water, glass windows, or car windscreens.

Further details are available in chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement.

Solar panels operate silently, with the only potential noise coming from inverter stations, which are essential for converting electricity. Modern inverters produce low noise levels during the day and are inactive at night. The proposed development has ensured these are carefully positioned to ensure minimal disturbance to the community.

A Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) supporting the draft planning application has been undertaken. The NIA confirms compliance with acceptable noise limits.

Further details are available in chapter 8 of the Environmental Statement.

The Proposed Development does not lie within or adjacent to any statutory environmental designated sites. The nearest designated sites are Craig-Yr-Hesg Local Nature Reserve (woodland), located approximately 1.5 km to the northwest and Nant Gelliwion Woodland SSSI, located just under 3 km to the west.

Various ecological surveys have been undertaken including wintering and breeding birds, Great Crested Newts, bats, badgers, otters, water voles, amphibians and reptiles. Our surveys show no significant impacts are anticipated for any species or habitats on the site.

The project will deliver net benefit for biodiversity over its lifetime by creating new habitats offering food and shelter to wildlife, including priority species and breeding birds.

Further details are available in chapter 9 of the Environmental Statement.

The site has been extensively surveyed by the project team and a geophysical survey has been undertaken to assess any potential archaeological features within the site.

A Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (CHIA) has been undertaken to evaluate and assess the potential effects of the solar farm on both known and undiscovered heritage assets. Heritage assets and recorded archaeological sites identified within the relevant study areas of 5km and 1km are summarised below. Within 5km of the Proposed Development Site there are a total of:

• 21 Scheduled Monuments;
• One Historic Park and Garden;
• One Historic Landscape;
• No Registered Battlefields;
• No World Heritage Sites;
• Three Grade I Listed Buildings;
• 22 Grade II* Listed Buildings;
• 123 Grade II Listed Buildings; and
• Nine Conservation Areas.

The findings of the assessment have helped guide mitigation measures, such as sensitive site design and screening, to ensure the solar farm integrates respectfully with the historical character of the area while supporting the transition to renewable energy.

During construction, we will work closely with heritage experts and local authorities appoint to closely monitor construction activities and ensure that in the unlikely event that any previously unknown heritage assets are discovered, these are recorded and protected on site during construction.

Further details are available in chapter 10 of the Environmental Statement.

Public Rights of Way (PRoW) will not be affected by the Proposed Development, including during the construction phase. Three are PRoWs running across the site and these will be maintained and suitably buffered. These will remain open and accessible to the public during construction.

There is no new PRoW planned for the scheme.

We have undertaking site surveys and environmental assessments to inform the preparation of a planning application and will be submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Direction request to PEDW.

We will proactively consult with the local community on the developing design before the submission of the planning application.

We want to ensure the community are given all the available information on the proposal and are given every opportunity ask questions and input provide their thoughts to maximise the benefit for the local area and the people that live there.

Follow our journey to decarbonisation