Durham solar farm to progress

Plans to create a solar farm in Durham, which would provide the energy needs of 13,861 homes within the UK, look set to move forward.Lightsource BP is behind the proposals, earmarked for a 266-acre site at Croxdale Farms in Hett.The site comprises a series of agricultural fields, and the solar panels would be arranged into linear arrays facing to the south.Once operational, the solar PV installation would result in a reduction in carbon emissions associated with energy generation equating to about 9,771 tonnes of CO2 per annum, which is the equivalent of the removal of about 5,338 standard family cars from the road each year.During the construction phase, which would last about five to six months, the development would create 100 full time equivalent (FTE) on-site jobs, with a further 135 indirect and induced FTE jobs being created from the supply chain and related services.The development would occupy the site for a temporary period of 40 years, after which the equipment would be removed and the land reinstated.The plans will go before Durham planning committee on Tuesday 7 June with the recommendation for approval.