Lytham: Early Development
Defining and refining, allowing for early engagement with stakeholders and host communities to understand constraints and opportunities.
Current Status
The Lytham Project is currently in early development. This phase seeks to:
- Define and then refine the project.
- Allow for early engagement with stakeholders and host communities.
- Understand constraints and opportunities relating to the development of the project.
The site
The project is situated due North of Lytham St Annes in the county of Lancashire. The BESS site has a flat topography and is very well connected by a network of roads. The current BESS project of 30 MW occupies an area of 1 acre.
Site analysis and conceptual design
Our analysis of the site indicates that the southern area of the site is suitable for installing the battery units, particularly given that the northern edge of the site is adjacent to a stream.
Landscape and visual amenity
The site nor the surrounding area is subject to any landscape designations however it is recognised that the site may still lead to some localised impacts on visual amenity. To ensure this is minimised a landscape and visual appraisal was undertaken, which considered the different development options available.
A landscape masterplan and Landscape Visual Assessment has been prepared as part of the detailed design stage, and sets out any required mitigation measures.
Ecology and habitats
The site does not contain nor is located close to any areas designated for their ecological value and would not require the loss of trees or woodland.
An ecological appraisal has been undertaken and has not identified any sensitive habitats as part of the development proposal within the site.
It is proposed to enhance the overall biodiversity value of the site as part of the development through a comprehensive landscaping scheme that will consider both ensuring that the development is incorporated into the wider landscape and provides enhanced habitats. This is likely to include scrub and woodland planting, grassland and wildflower meadows.
Heritage
The site contains no built or cultural heritage constraints.
Flood risk
The northern end of the site is subject to an identified area of flood risk. A drainage impact assessment has been undertaken. EA data related to tidal flood sources has been reviewed in relation to breach scenarios and it is shown that the site is not a risk of sudden onset of flooding from the modelled scenarios. As such, it is considered that the Sequential Test is not required, and the site layout can be progressed accordingly. It is noted that the site layout should remain as far from the northern land drain as feasibly possible to limit any residual risk.
Noise
Noise assessments have been undertaken to ensure that the design and location of the development takes does not impact on local residential amenity. Consideration of a layout that minimises noise impact on residential properties within the area is a primary driver at the design stage. During both the daytime and night-time periods, levels meet the internal noise criterion at the closest residential receptor.
This assessment has shown that, with the recommended mitigation measures in place, no adverse impact is predicted during the day and night at the receptors due to the proposed plant items. As such, sufficient information has been provided to consider potential noise impact and found no adverse impact is expected.
Loss of agricultural land
There are two grades of soil on site, loamy soils with naturally high ground water, and very acid loamy soils with a wet, peaty surface.
It is therefore a poor-quality field for agriculture due to the water levels.
Access
Vehicular access to the site is to be provided via an access junction from West Moss Lane in the location of the existing field access. The access junction is expected to be utilised during the construction, installation, and maintenance periods. Detailed access routing for construction vehicles will be assessed at the detailed design stage however construction routing will be subject to further assessment to ensure it minimises impacts on the local community.
Engagement
Lower 48 Energy is committed to early engagement with communities. As part of our development stage, we will consult and engage with local groups and residents to fully understand any concerns and opportunities that the project may raise and to take account of those as far as possible within the detailed design stage for the project.
The following groups and bodies have been made aware of the project. Should you wish to contact us, find out more about the project, be added to a contact list or send us any initial views, we would be happy to receive your feedback.
