Decision on plans for major solar farm deferred

A decision on plans for a solar farm near a village in Leicestershire has been deferred.

Downing Renewable Developments wants to create a complex covering 81 acres (200.2 hectares) on land east of Waltham Road, near Freeby.

The applicant said the scheme could generate enough renewable energy to power 10,000 homes.

The firm’s planning application was discussed by Melton Borough Council’s planning committee on Thursday, but councillors said they needed more information on the project before they could make a decision.

The application is expected to come back before the committee at a later date.

Tony Gannon, from Downing Renewable Developments, told councillors the proposal would help counter the “increasing threat” to energy security nationally and that there was a “clear and urgent” need for solar schemes.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported two tenant farmers would lose land as a source of income if the solar farm was built.

The applicant said it would make a £200,000 capital contribution to Freeby Parish Council to help manage construction disruption.