Green light for solar energy farm in Truro

A power station using solar panels to create electricity has been given planning permission in Cornwall.

About 5,000 panels, each about 2m (6.6ft) high, will cover more than seven acres at the former Wheal Jane tin mine near Truro.

Developer 35 Degrees said the panels would produce enough electricity at full power for about 300 households.

It is the first solar farm to be given planning permission by Cornwall Council which has another 14 applications.

'Gold rush'

Building work is expected to start in January and will take about six weeks.

The solar farm will still produce electricity even when the weather is cloudy and for up to 12 hours a day during the summer.

Cornwall Council estimates solar farms could lead to up to £1bn of investment into the county.

Developers have been encouraged by a guaranteed price, introduced in April, for energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind power.

Lucy Hunt, manager at Cornwall Development Company, the economic development company for Cornwall Council, said: "We're seeing the start of a Cornwall solar gold rush."

Stephen McCabe, managing director of 35 Degrees, said: "This is the first building block in bringing a new growth industry to Cornwall and the UK."