Proposed solar farms could power more than 17,000 homes

TWO BIDS ARE PLACED FOR SCHEMES ON FARMLAND

HUGE solar farms capable of generating enough electricity to power more than 17,000 homes are being proposed for farmland.

Two sites to the north of Hinckley have been identified for the potential large-scale renewable energy schemes.

Rival energy companies have lodged plans with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for the sites, which are both close to the edge of Bosworth Battlefield, where King Richard III lost his crown and his life in 1485.

Planning officers are considering both schemes to determine whether permission should be granted.

Elgin Energy is behind the larger of the two proposals – for a 153-acre solar park at Hangman’s Hall, Twenty Acre Lane, Sutton Cheney.

The firm says the 35 megawatt project would create enough electricity to power 10,500 homes a year for a 30-year period. Meanwhile,

NextEnergy says its 79-acre scheme off Kirkby Road, near Stapleton, could generate power for more than 7,000 homes annually.

Both say their proposals will help the government meet its low carbon energy targets, and both would have elevated solar panels to allow the land to be used for sheep grazing.

An Elgin spokesman said: “There are significant benefits associated with this proposal, primarily through the generation of renewable energy to provide enough low carbon electricity to power 10,500 homes every year.

“That will provide a valuable contribution towards meeting the challenging obligations of the government regarding renewable energy generation, and also in the form of ecological and landscape enhancements, which weigh heavily in favour of support for this development. Such benefits will remain long after the 30-year lifetime of the planning permission.”

NextEnergy said: “The proposed solar farm will generate enough renewable energy each year to power 7,120 homes in the area.

“This will make a valuable contribution to the country’s efforts to tackle climate change and it is noted that the council has declared a climate emergency.

“There will also be substantial biodiversity enhancements, in the form of the retention of the vast majority of existing habitats on site and their enhancement through additional tree and hedge planting, proposed bird boxes and bat boxes, wildlife habitats and wildflower margins.

“Information boards near the existing Public Rights of Way which cross the site can provide an educational and recreational opportunity.”

The company says it has set up a fund with Barwell and Peckleton Parish Councils to help with local projects.