Plans submitted for two solar farms in Formby

Two solar farms each the size of ten football pitches could be on the way to Formby under plans submitted to the council.

Southport based company, Be Renewables, have submitted plans to construct the farms on the site of Jemmys Carr, North Moss Lane, and on the nearby Tip field which is accessed via the same road.

The plans involve the development of solar PV panels and associated works including substation, transformers, string inverters access tracks, security fencing and cameras.

At full capacity, each farm would be capable of generating around 5Mw of energy, enough to power around approximately 1,200 homes.

Solar farms are becoming increasingly popular as green companies look to harness the power of renewable energy resources. Several plans have been submitted in West Lancashire in particular over the past months, including two sites in Halsall and another in Burscough.

While the benefits of solar energy are widely supported, there has been frequent controversy over such proposals around the country in the past, with residents expressing concern over the appearance or impact to wildlife.

Be Renewables describes itself as being 'committed to sustainable development of commercial solar farms without compromising ethical, moral and environmental values.'

The application for the Tip field site states: “The boundary of the solar farm will be enclosed by a security fence. The fence will be installed within the site boundary formed by the existing hedgerows and vegetation; along the edge of the site.

“There is no proposal to remove any of the existing hedges. We propose to plant new and/or enhance any existing vegetation when necessary.”

Story and Photo source: Southport Visiter