Quarry's plan to install 140 solar panels approved

A quarry has received the go-ahead to install solar panels and a battery storage system in a bid to cut energy costs.

Dorset Council approved the planning application from Portland Stone Firms Ltd, which will see 140 panels installed at the southern site of Coombefield Quarry on Southwell Road.

The panels are expected to generate up to 61KW of electricity per hour at peak output.

Installation is scheduled for this summer and is expected to take one to two weeks.

The generated power will be delivered to the mine via a cable laid and backfilled along the quarry floor.

Any surplus energy will be stored in on-site 20KW batteries, with excess power exported to the National Grid.

Because the panels will be located at the base of the quarry, they will be largely hidden from view.

The planning documents note that while there may be "transitory" views through vegetation from a nearby right of way, the installation will not be visible from homes on Avalanche Road and Southwell Road.

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