Public access with new plans for biodiversity intertwined throughout

CENIN Pre-application consultation from the 20th June 2022

• CENIN is a pioneering energy generation company that is furthering its public consultation at Parc Dyffryn with a state-of-the-art digital public exhibition as part of the statutory consultation on the draft planning application which will be available from the 20th of June for 42 days.

 

• Parc Dyffryn will comprise a 65 MW Solar PV (which stands for photovoltaic) Farm, which is a series of rows of solar panels (similar to those commonly found on a house roof) mounted just off the ground on a frame and tilted south facing that collects irradiation and turns it into electricity. Countryside management and biodiversity enhancement with public nature trails and paths providing access to Dyffryn House and Gardens will be delivered alongside this project.

 

• Parc Dyffryn amounts to 1.14 million tonne carbon reduction over the next 40 years. The site at Parc Dyffryn will supply electricity to the local distribution network by connecting to the overhead power lines that cross Vianshill Farm. Parc Dyffryn will produce 682.5Gw of electricity every year, that’s the equivalent total power required for over 20,000 homes each year.

 

• Martyn Popham Director of CENIN said “ Long term efficient and clean energy use and supply is important locally and to the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Welsh Government’s plans for net zero carbon emissions.All of our energy projects are carefully designed by our team to minimise impact on the land. We carefully consider the existing flora and fauna on the site and allow it to thrive further. Our previous work on projects such as Home Farm near St George’s demonstrates our commitment to allowing natural environments to flourish. “

 

• Open days have already been held and discussions on the project have produced positive feedback in a recent 2022 survey.

 

93% asked agreed renewable energy is important and that Wales should be a leader in sustainable development by protecting and enhancing local nature and agreed that biodiversity was important.

86% of people surveyed agreed that change is needed to protect future generations and that the extensive management of the countryside and that the reduction in carbon resulting from the proposed scheme is important to them.

79% of residents contacted indicated that the direct and indirect investment in the local economy and improved access to the countryside were important benefits of the proposal.

The results were verified by advisers RPS.

• Parc Dyffryn will provide a unique experience for local schools and community groups. There will be 30 local educational points showing CENIN’s commitment to allowing the natural flora and fauna of the site to flourish alongside this there are 30 hectares of woodland designated as a natural habitat management area.

 

• Martyn Popham said “ At Parc Dyffryn we will manage significant areas of woodland and meadows for the foreseeable future while creating multi-use paths giving the public the opportunity to see how nature and energy generation can wonderfully intertwine. “

 

• Mr Popham concluded “We are committed to engaging with our local community and interested parties and invite observations. “