Solar farm in Eastbourne approved

It was estimated the solar panels would generate enough energy to power about 6,400 homes annually

Controversial plans for a 78.8-acre (0.3 sq km) solar farm in East Sussex have been approved.

Applicant Low Carbon said the site on land south of Cross Levels Way, in Eastbourne, would generate enough energy to power around 6,400 homes a year.

The plans received at least 114 letters of objection, which raised archaeological, ecological and visual concerns, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The scheme was approved by Eastbourne Borough Council on Tuesday with conditions to carry out further consultations.

This included discussions with the county archaeologist, as officers said the site likely includes “prehistoric timber”.

The council heard this would be an ongoing process, which could result in “significant costs” should further work be required on the site.

The applicant must also join a licensing scheme due to the likely presence of great crested newts on the site.

There was discussion of deferring the scheme until the further consultation was completed, but it was deemed acceptable as long as the conditions were in place.

The site is formed of two fields, classed as “moderate quality” agricultural land, which sit either side of the railway line between Hampden Park and Eastbourne.

The land had been allocated within Eastbourne’s local plan as a suitable location for renewable energy infrastructure.