Plans for solar farm on overgrown wasteland
PLANS have been filed to build a 3.5 megawatt solar farm on an overgrown patch of wasteland in Widnes.
A design and access statement said the solar farm would produce enough energy to power 1,100 homes but it is anticipated a nearby industrial facility is the anticipated customer as the plot is not connected to the National Grid.
It said the site has undergone remediation works with the whole subsoil and topsoil layers replaced, but “elevated concentrations of contaminants (including asbestos in soils) may be present within the near surface soils” along the eastern access track, which might need to undergo shallow excavation as part of the redevelopment.
Outlining the aim of the project, the statement said: “The owners of Hedco (the wider site) have recently completed an extensive (20-year) process of investigation, assessment, remediation options appraisal and remediation as part of a voluntary Part 2A process for the site in line with the Environmental Protection Act (1990).
Read More Search Council Notices in your area “Halton Borough Council (HBC) and the Environment Agency (EA) were consulted throughout this process.
“Following completion of the remediation betterment scheme (2018) and subsequent verification (2018) and validation (2020), the site owners wish to introduce a solar scheme within the remediated plateau area of the site.
“The solar scheme will offer a sustainable way to bring the site back into beneficial use.”
Public consultation is open until June 30 with Halton Borough Council aiming to decide the matter by August 26.