Derbyshire solar farm nears green light

A proposed Derbyshire solar farm with the potential to power almost 2,000 homes annually could soon be approved.Hoon Hay Solar Ltd is seeking planning permission for a period of 40 years to develop land at Hoon Hay Farm in Hatton.Extending to approximately 27.1 acres, the site is part of an agricultural field.The 5.1MW solar farm would provide enough renewable energy to power 1,800 homes and save 1,400 tonnes of CO2 every year.South Derbyshire District Council’s planning committee will review the proposals on 10 January.A report for the committee said: “Due to the considerable benefit of renewable energy generation and biodiversity net gain, balanced against the low impact on a designated heritage asset and the local landscape, it is recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions.”