Hertfordshire solar farm approved for former landfill site

The new energy farm would span about 10.5 hectares close to the town of Ware in Hertfordshire

A new solar farm has been approved for construction on the site of a former landfill site.

Waste management company Biffa and construction business Cemex had lodged plans for Westmill Quarry just off the A10 near Ware, Hertfordshire.

The county council granted a 25-year permission for the solar farm, which will generate 7.3MW annually.

The ground beneath the solar farm will first be restored using inert and non-hazardous materials.

Westmill Landfill Site covers about 87 hectares and the solar farm will cover an area of of 10.5 hectares.

The solar arrays will spread over an area of about 9.5 hectares. There will also be a small compound to the north of the site.

The new solar farm will be located in a quarry near Ware and cover land previously used as a landfill site

Hertfordshire County Council said the solar farm would "strengthen the county's sustainability ambitions".

The site will utilise natural timber and steel wire mesh to create deer fencing to safeguard local wildlife and limit its visual impact.

Trees and hedgerows will be planted to help blend the solar array into its surrounding environment.

As part of the approval it was agreed that after 25 years the the solar farm will be removed and the land restored.