New 200-acre solar farm 'could power 14,500 homes'

A solar farm with the capacity to power more than 14,500 homes could be built on rural land.

Clean energy company Belltown Power says it has earmarked the Oldbridge site near Congresbury in North Somerset for the project.

Ahead of the plans being formally submitted the company is holding an event for the public to see them on 19 March from 14:30 GMT at the Old School Rooms in Congresbury.

Antoine Vandenborre, from Belltown Power, said: "If approved, this solar farm will provide much-needed renewable energy, helping to decarbonise the electricity network and support North Somerset Council in meeting its net zero carbon emissions targets."

A website set up by Belltown to promote the project says the 200-acre site will retain some farming use, for example allowing sheep to graze, once it is up and running.

It added the site will have a planned lifespan of 40 years, after which it will return to its original use.

A planning application for the new solar farm is expected to be submitted to North Somerset Council by early summer.

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