MAJOR plans have been lodged for a solar farm and energy storage system the size of 115 football pitches in south Cumbria.
Innova Renewables Developments Limited has submitted a planning application to Westmorland and Furness Council for a solar farm and energy storage system on land to the south of Riddings Lane in Gleaston between Barrow and Ulverston.
According to Innova the proposed 82 hectares site could be capable of powering 12,740 homes and will save 10,700 tonnes of CO2 each year.
The planning, design and access statement reads: “The Proposed Development would assist in providing energy security and would facilitate the increase in the production of renewable energy in the UK.”
According to planning documents energy security has become a ‘significant concern’ since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ‘soaring’ energy prices.
The statement adds: “It is becoming increasingly evident that there is a desire within the Government to be as self-sufficient as possible with our energy supply.”
Plans state the proposed development will include energy storage system units, solar panels, substation buildings, a welfare unit, office containers, security gate and fencing.
During construction there will be approximately a peak number of deliveries of 28 a day, plans add.
The land is currently marked as grade three agricultural land which means it is of ‘moderate quality’, according to Natural England’s Regional Maps.
Former MP for Barrow and Furness Simon Fell spoke about the proposed solar farm on land to the south of Riddings Lane in Gleaston in a parliamentary session in April 2024.
Mr Fell said: “Does the Minister agree that solar farms are great but should not go on prime agricultural land?”
In response the former under-secretary of state at the department for energy security and net zero Andrew Bowie said: “As my honourable friend is aware, we have a presumption against building on the best and most versatile agricultural land.”
According to planning documents, the proposed development would take nine months to build and would have a lifespan of 40 years. The applicant states after this period the land would be returned to its former use.
The planning application is undergoing public consultation.
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