Solar farm plans submitted

Plans include aiming to create a carbon neutral industrial site in Quorn.

Plans to develop a solar farm and a carbon neutral site have been lodged by Leicestershire County Council. 

They have said the solar farm based on Barrow Road, Quorn, would generate almost 10,000 megawatt hours of electricity a year - enough to power around 3,000 homes.

The plans include aiming to create a carbon neutral industrial site, which would feature nine high-spec industrial units and could include solar roof panels, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging.

Councillor Byron Rhodes, cabinet memeber for finance and resources said: “We take our commitments to reduce carbon very seriously and, if approved, this solar farm would produce clean, green energy, while building new units would offer local businesses the chance to get their foot on the ladder or expand.

“Investing in property is a priority for the council as it means we can also generate income to plough back into services, helping to meet ever-increasing demands.

A spokesperson from Leicestershire County Council said: "It’s estimated that this phase of the project would cost around £14m – this would be paid for using one-off pots of money, including income from property sales and investment. The returns would generate more than £830,000 a year, which would benefit services from social care to highway maintenance."

The planning application has been submitted to their planning committee.