Solar farm as big as 30 football pitches approved

Plans for a solar farm covering nearly 20 hectares - the size of about 30 football pitches - have been approved.

The proposal for the development in Maryport, on land next to Ewanrigg Farmhouse in Ewanrigg Lonning, had been recommended for approval by Cumberland Council planning officers.

Members of the council's planning committee were told that the more than 20,000 photovoltaic panels would be 2.7m tall and the solar farm would operate over a 40-year period, with construction taking 40 weeks.

The committee unanimously approved the application on Wednesday.

Maryport Town Council had opposed the scheme due to its visual impact and suggested other sites would be more suitable, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, members were told screening would help mitigate this and, on balance, it was felt the application was acceptable.

Edward James, agent for the applicant Anesco, said the development represented a "clear and substantial public benefit" which would contribute to the UK's energy security.

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