Duryard PV Solar Panels project
The University of Exeter is proposing to install ground mounted Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on University land close to Duryard Halls of Residence, adjacent the end of Cherry Tree Close and Woodleigh Close.
Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is playing a crucial role in the institution reaching its target of Carbon Net Zero by 2030 and supports our ambition in Strategy 2030 to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency. We have one megawatt of building mounted solar panels on our campuses and we plan to expand this across our remaining buildings in the next three to five years. We are also reviewing our land and building assets for potential solar panel sites.
The planning application to install Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on University land close to Duryard Halls of Residence was approved by Exeter City Council at a planning committee meeting in July 2023. We have 1.3MW of PV on our existing roofs on campus, with more underway and planned.
The installation of the PV Solar Panels will take place in Spring 2024, from Easter for approximately six week.
The University is seeking local people's views on the gravel access track in the field and whether it should remain after the solar panels are installed. Please complete the short feedback form to provide your thoughts on the proposal.
The University has submitted a planning application to Exeter City Council to determine whether the gravel track can remain. You can view the planning application on Exeter City Councils website, visit: https://publicaccess.exeter.gov.uk/online-applications/ The reference number for the application is: 24/0107/VOC
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Key facts
- The proposal is to install approximately 2000 solar panels on the field near Duryard Halls of Residence.
- We have 1.3 megawatt of building mounted solar panels on our campuses and we plan to expand this across our remaining buildings in the next three to five years. We are also reviewing our land and building assets for potential solar panel sites.
- The solar panels will be installed on approximately a third of the northern field.
- The panels at the top of the field will be angled to minimise their height.
- There are no public rights of way across the University land. The University is proposing a permissive path as part of the scheme, if this can be made to work with the PV installation and adjacent landowners.
- The solar panels will be fenced off.
- Field trees will be protected and enhancements to the biodiversity of the site are proposed through a variety of ecological improvement measures.
- To reduce the University’s reliance on fossil fuels and to support our ambition to be Net Zero by 2030.
- The proposed solar panels will generate in the region of 950,000kWh/year (approx. 200 domestic houses equivalent), saving 202 tonnes CO2/year, which represents a significant contribution towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and supports our contribution to Exeter City Futures and Devon Carbon Plan targets.
- We are reviewing our estate with a view to expand the generation of renewable energy on our buildings and land. We are already expanding solar panels on our buildings across our campuses and we are reviewing land for potential solar panel sites.
- The land proposed for the solar panels is south facing and an ideal slope to maximise the amount of solar energy that can be generated.
- We expect the installation of the solar panels to take up approximately a third of the northern field.
- The panels at the top of the field will be angled at a reduced 10⁰ angle to limit the visual impact on neighbouring properties.
- We have conducted ecology and biodiversity surveys in the area. On this site protected habitats are confined to the perimeters of the site and mature tree belts that are avoided by the development. As part of the plans we will look to enhance the area by planting new trees (including orchard trees), cultivating local plant species, seeding the open part of the field and protecting the existing trees.
- A small electrical substation will be installed in the southern end of the field to connect the solar panels directly in to the University’s campus electrical system. The substation is located over 100 metres from all buildings and located outside of tree root protection zones.
- The land is owned by the University of Exeter.
- There are no public rights of way across the University land. The University is proposing a permissive path as part of the scheme, if this can be made to work with the PV installation and adjacent landowners.
- The solar panels will be fenced off.
- We are considering a number of options to gain vehicular access to the field, including potentially creating a temporary bridge across the stream at the southern end of the northern field.
- All aspects of the construction will be carefully managed to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum for our neighbours, students and colleagues.
- We expect the installation of the solar panels to take 8 to 12 weeks and to cause minimal disruption to the local community. This is dependent on the weather and other factors.
- The planning application is supported by a comprehensive Transport Statement which confirms the proposals will not impact congestion along Cowley Bridge Road.
- A Noise Impact Assessment has been submitted with the planning application, the methodology of which was agreed with Exeter City Council’s Environmental Health Officer. The outcome of the assessment has indicated that there will be no adverse noise impact as a result of the proposed development.
Project update
The planning application to install Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on University land close to Duryard Halls of Residence (ref:23/0321/FUL) was approved by Exeter City Council at a planning committee meeting on July 2023. We have 1.3MW of PV on our existing roofs on campus, with more underway and planned.
Enabling works and a number of surveys will be taking place in the area in March 2024.
The installation of the PV Solar Panels will take place in Spring 2024, from Easter for approximately six weeks. This includes making electrical connections to Duryard Halls of Residence using small diggers and drilling machinery. Thank you for your patience while this work takes place.
The University is seeking local people's views on the gravel access track in the field and whether it should remain after the solar panels are installed. Please complete the short feedback form to provide your thoughts on the proposal.
The University has submitted a planning application to Exeter City Council to determine whether the gravel track can remain. You can view the planning application on Exeter City Councils website, visit: https://publicaccess.exeter.gov.uk/online-applications/ The reference number for the application is: 24/0107/VOC
If you have any questions or queries about the project please email the project team at: campusdevelopment@exeter.ac.uk
Contact us
If you have any questions or queries about the proposal please email the project team at: campusdevelopment@exeter.ac.uk