Plans are being drawn up for a massive solar farm in Leicestershire.
The plan would see a vast array of panels placed on 87 acres of farmland off Nottingham Road near Loughborough alongside the Midland Mainline.
Glasgow-based Intelligent Alternatives says the operation could create enough electricity to power more than 6,400 homes for 40 years.
It has written to Charnwood Borough Council setting out details of the proposal on a long strip of land between the railway and the River Soar.
While the earmarked fields sit within the river’ flood plain the company says the panels would be mounted on metal frames – the highest being four metres above the ground.
They would also be spaced out to allow the land below to be used for farming.
Intelligent Alternatives says the project would not have a significant visual impact on the landscape up to Cotes where there is a deserted medieval village.
There could be limited noise from the complex – which will be fenced off and covered by CCTV cameras – from a series of buildings housing fans and transformers.
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In documents submitted to the council, the firm said: “Solar farm, and renewable energy schemes generally, issues and effects are well understood.
“The issues associated with solar farms are not considered complex.
“Impacts are considered to be generally low intensity.
“The probability, expected onset, duration and frequency of the impacts is likely to be accurately determined.
“The proposals are fully reversible and the site can be restored to its current condition.”
Borough council planning officers are considering the scheme ahead of a formal planning application being lodged.
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