Solar farm approved despite flooding fears

Solar panels will be installed on an area last off Leicester Road in Twyford

A plan for a new solar farm on about 40 acres of fields has been approved despite fears it could cause flooding.

Noventum Power was given permission to build the facility off Leicester Road near Twyford in Leicestershire by Melton Borough Council.

At a planning committee meeting members heard villagers were concerned the new solar farm could increase flooding problems, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

But councillors ultimately voted to grant planning permission for the farm, which will be in place for 40 years.

During the meeting, local MP Edward Argar said he too had concerns about the flood risk, the impact of contruction traffic and the loss of agricultural land.

Twyford and Thorpe Parish Council also objected to the proposal citing similar fears, the LDRS said.

Ward councillor Leigh Higgins asked members of the planning committee to reject the scheme, saying Twyford residents were being "let down" on the issue of flooding.

A petition against the plan was also signed by about 160 people, the LDRS added.

However, council leader Pip Allnatt said this application "will not affect the general flooding problem in Twyford".

'Power for homes'

A report was presented to councillors which showed the site was at low risk of flooding and had a "low risk of surface water flooding", according to the LDRS.

Councillor Don Pritchett said he did not want to see any more solar farms in the area while another councillor, Ronan Browne, said the vote should be deferred so planning officers could provide more information about the concerns expressed. However, that suggestion was rejected.

Chris Atkinson, speaking on behalf of Noventum Power said the scheme would provide "enough energy to power almost 4,000 homes".

He added: "This issue is particularly prescient as gas prices have been at an all-time high due to our reliance on imported energy, leading to an increase in energy bills.

"The development of solar farms such as this will help to increase our energy independence."

The land will have to be returned to its current state after 40 years, with all equipment dismantled.