Plans lodged for solar farm to power 18,000 homes

The applicant said the proposed development could save about 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year

Plans have been lodged for a solar farm and battery energy storage system in Derbyshire.

Noventum Power has submitted an application to South Derbyshire District Council to construct the development on land next to the A50 in Arleston.

According to planning documents, the solar farm, capable of powering 18,000 homes, would cover an area of about 121 acres (49 hectares) across eight fields.

They add that the site would provide "clean, renewable energy" that would not result in pollution to the soil or air and would "save approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year".

If approved, the development would take between 12 and 18 months to construct and would be decommissioned after 40 years.

A decision is due to be made on the application by 17 October.