PERMISSION has been granted for a new solar farm expected to power more than 8,300 homes.

The proposal from Low Carbon Solar Park 1 for the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic farm in Hazeleigh has been approved by Maldon District Council.

The Maldon Wycke solar farm plans, which include associated infrastructure such as inverters, security cameras, fencing, access tracks and landscaping, will go ahead on the site in Hazeleigh Hall Lane.

Anti-glare solar panels will be installed on the site.

A condition of the plans is to have trees and plants planted to provide screening of the site by the fifth year of the development.

The screen of plants must be at least 2.5m tall for the lifetime of the solar farm.

The public footpaths in the area will not be affected as a condition of the plans is to keep the footpaths “free and unobstructed at all times”.

Another condition of the plans states that: “Any works which will impact the breeding or resting place of great crested newts shall not in any circumstances commence.”

Maldon District Council has been approached for a comment.