Council-owned farm earmarked for solar project

The proposed site is among 41 farms owned by Dorset Council

Plans to create one of the largest renewable energy schemes on local authority land in south-west England are to be drawn up after winning support from councillors.

Dorset Council says, if approved, the solar project at Higher South Buckland Farm, Chickerell, would help meet net-zero energy targets, generate investment and create jobs.

A report to the council's cabinet said the poor soil quality and topography of the 60 hectare (140 acre) site made it "increasingly uneconomic for conventional farming".

At a meeting on Tuesday, cabinet members also gave backing to a new strategic partnership with renewable energy developer Source Galileo.

The site, off Harbour Hill, covers more than 60 hectares

The report said the collaboration would see the UK-based firm advance the Chickerell solar scheme and investigate the potential of other council-owned properties, including car parks, for renewable energy projects.

The proposed site, near Weymouth, is among 41 farms totalling 2,600 hectares (6,425 acres) owned by the authority.

Addressing the meeting, councillor Ryan Hope said: "There's nothing stopping a solar farm still being used for farming purposes - designed correctly, it can still be used for grazing and livestock.

"We need to look at green energy, not just to support the council's net zero targets but to stabilise this country and reduce the reliance on gas."