No horse graves on our site, solar energy firm says
THE firm behind plans to build a solar farm on a former WWI remount station says a second land survey found no evidence of horse burials.
Lightsource BP, Europe’s leading solar energy generator, revealed plans to build on land off Hall Lane, Lathom, earlier this year.
It has now formally submitted an planning application to West Lancashire Borough Council.
The installation would have an output power capacity of 2.5mW peak – enough to power the equivalent of 720 homes.
It would be used to help power operations at NSG Group’s European Technical Centre, also in Lathom, and is expected to cover 30% of its energy needs.
Under the proposal, the solar farm would remain in use for 30 years, with the land then restored to its former condition. Lightsource held public information events and spoke to parish and borough councillors before submitting the application.
Concerns had been raised over the use of the site, which was where thousands of horses were sent and trained in preparation for the war.
Animals injured in battle were also brought back to the site for treatment, though Lightsource says it has uncovered no evidence of burials.
Speaking when the plans were unveiled, local historian Dot Broady-Hawkes said she was certain horses were buried there.
She said: “Although they claim there are no signs of horses there, this could be because they have decomposed now.
“I have stood on that field myself and you can see what it is – I wholeheartedly believe horses were laid to rest there. Stories of the history of the site have been consistent for three generations.
“Any development that is carried out there is not going to be benefiting the people of Lathom, and will be disrespecting the wishes of those who fought in the war.”
Lightsource and NSG Group said they “appreciate the important heritage” of the site and have subsequently commissioned a second land survey, which “confirmed the evidence of barracks or stable blocks and an exercise track, but no subsurface earthworks consistent with a horse burial within the proposal site”.
The solar company has now amended the layout and agreed a construction methodology with the county archaeologist to avoid impacts on the identified archaeological features.
The borough council will decide whether to approve the application.
Nick Boyle, CEO at Lightsource BP, said: “We’re delighted to have submitted a planning application alongside NSG to develop a solar installation to generate clean electricity for their European Technical Centre, in Lathom.
“We have been sharing plans for the site with the local community through public events and leaflets and have been encouraged by the largely positive response.
‘‘The majority of the feedback has been supportive of our proposal, which would generate enough clean solar energy to meet 30% of the electricity needs of the technical centre, an important local employer.”