Two large solar farms proposed near villages

The solar farms would cover an area equivalent to 54 football pitches

A proposal for two large solar farms has been put forward for land near two Leicestershire villages.

The neighbouring sites, at Saddington and Kibworth Harcourt, have been suggested by applicant Starlight Energy Operations UK Ltd.

Planning documents sent to Harborough District Council say the sites could generate enough electricity to power about 8,000 homes annually for 40 years.

Both sites would cover approximately 96 acres (39 hectares), about the area of 54 football pitches, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

If approved, one farm would be located east of Kibworth Road, in Saddington and the other to the north of Wistow Road, in Kibworth Harcourt.

The company said the panels would be elevated allowing the land to remain in agricultural use for sheep grazing.

The council is considering a "screening opinion" document submitted by the firm and a planning application is expected at a later stage.