Sheep set to graze beneath solar panels

A green energy scheme involving solar panels at Lower House Farm in Preston has been given the green light by councillors

Sheep are set to share their fields with solar panels as part of a green energy scheme approved by councillors.

Part of Lower House Farm in Preston is to be covered in the solar panels, which would generate enough electricity to power about 5,900 homes.

Sheep would still be able to graze under the panels which which would be mounted on metal frames with legs no taller than 3.25m, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The agent behind the application, Doug Moulton told councillors in Preston that a special seed mix with a more "shade tolerant" variety of grass would be used.

Members of Preston City Council's planning committee heard it would be largely screened from public view and would leave the agricultural use of the land intact.

The firm behind the proposal said the site – close to Woodplumpton and New Mill brooks – provided a rare opportunity in Preston.

Mr Moulton told the committee meeting: "A solar farm can only be located where there is capacity for the renewable energy generated to be [transferred] into the grid.

"There are very few options to connect renewable energy schemes within the Preston area."

He said the plot was surrounded on two sides by bunds, while existing hedgerows would also provide "robust screening".

"Significant new planting is proposed, with groups of trees that reflect the local landscape character," he added.

Council planning officers recommended approval of the application, saying the panels would appear as "largely unobtrusive features within the surrounding landscape".

The development is temporary and is expected to have a lifespan of 40 years before being decommissioned and the area returned to traditional grassland.