Plans to build new solar farms in Formby

Photo from Google maps

Plans to build two new solar farms on Green Belt in Formby have been submitted to Sefton Council, they are forecast to power thousands of homes and drastically reduce carbon emissions by 3,208 tonnes per annum.

Store Farm Solar Limited has submitted plans to build a solar park at Tip Field, south of North Moss Lane, to build a 5.62MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) array, four transformer cabinets, plus a substation and a private switchgear building. A new access track across the farmland will be built. The site will be enclosed by timber deer fencing 1800mm high with 3m high CCTV masts spaced every 50m along the perimeter.

Beacons Cross Solar Limited is behind plans for solar facilities on a farm at Jemmy Carr Field, north of Downhollan Brook to build a a 5MWp solar photovoltaic array, three transformer cabinets, as well as a substation and a private switchgear building. A new access track across the farmland will be constructed and utilise existing gateways.

The construction is expected to last around 12 weeks, with between nine and 10 truck movements per week, for which there has been no objections from the general public.

The planning application states: “The main issues to consider in respect of the two proposals are the principle of development, the impact on the Green Belt, the impact on landscape, the impact on ecology, the impact on the best and most versatile agricultural land, the impact on highway safety and amenity and any public benefits arising from the proposals.”

A spokesman said: “Any approval would be for a temporary period of 25 years and would require the land to be reverted back to its former use and condition at the end of the above period in accordance with a scheme and a timetable to be agreed by the Local Planning Authority.

“If members are minded to grant approval to both proposals then they must be referred to the Secretary of State.”

A spokesman for BE Renewables Limited, who are the agents for the applicants, said: “As a local company, I would like to thank the Formby community for the significant level of support these applications have had throughout the planning process.”