A BID to build a solar farm in Maldon which could power about 8,000 homes has been revealed.

Low Carbon Solar Park 1 has unveiled plans to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm and associated infrastructure on an 89-acre site to the south west of Maldon.

The applicant is owned by Low Carbon UK which has commissioned solar energy parks since 2011.

It is estimated the solar panels on the proposed Maldon Wycke Solar Farm would generate about 25 megawatts of renewable energy – enough electricity to power about 8,000 homes.

The application highlights Maldon District Council’s declaration of a climate emergency last year.

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The Inter Parliamentary Climate Change Commission had advised the council it had until 2030 to take urgent action on climate change.

The application says this demonstrates a need for the proposed development.

A report submitted with the plans added: “The applicant has carried out a meaningful pre-application consultation exercise in respect of the proposed development, primarily focused on the community but also including consultation with the council and other stakeholders.

“The applicant has listened to the views expressed by consultees and has made changes to the proposed development to help address and mitigate concerns.”

More positive feedback for the solar farm has been received from the community than negative, according to the report.

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The proposed site is about the size of 45 football pitches on agricultural land off Hazeleigh Hall Lane.

It is close to an overhead electricity line which the development would connect into through an underground cable.

As well as the rows of solar panels, the proposed development includes a substation and switchroom, internal access tracks, perimeter fencing and CCTV cameras.

Assessments submitted with the plans suggest there are “no unacceptable environmental impacts” and there are a number of added benefits, including habitat creation and biodiversity gains.

Construction would take about 16 weeks and the solar farm would operate for 40 years before being decommissioned.

Maldon District Council will rule on the application.