A MASSIVE solar farm the size of 38 football pitches is set to be built near a Cheshire village after proposals were unanimously backed by planning chiefs.

Cheshire West and Chester’s Planning committee rubber-stamped an application by renewable energy firm Anesco for the 76-acre site at a meeting on Tuesday.

Constructed from 32,832 solar panels, the complex – which is to be built on a Iddenshall Grange dairy farm in Clotton – would provide enough power for 4,590 homes and save 4,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year.

The project also includes a substation, a control room, communications cabin, security fencing, landscaping and other infrastructure.

It would be spread across three adjoining fields with the panels attached to a fixed ground mounted steel and aluminium racking system with a maximum height of 2.67m.

The 17.57 MW solar farm is set to remain operational for 40 years, after which the site will be returned to its original state.

Antony Prewer from Anesco told the meeting the project would contribute to toward national and local renewable energy goals.

He said: “Our proposals find this to be a most suitable location.  It will not increase flood risk and will retain trees and hedgerows. It will not impact on any areas of habitat.

“The landowner will still use the fields around the site to continue grazing their cattle. It will supply safe and renewable energy and complies with planning policies.”

Two objections had been received relating to visibility of the structure from Hoofield Hall, and highway safety impact of HGVs during the construction phase.

Committee member Cllr Myles Hogg told the meeting: “It’s a nondescript site, it’s poorish land. I think it’s ideal for the proposed purpose.

“It’s well screened and I’ve actually seen such installations in Italy with sheep happily grazing underneath.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and Cllr Hogg added: “It goes without saying we have an energy crisis on, we’ve declared a climate emergency so I think this scheme helps ease these needs and I’ll certainly be voting to approve this application.”

On its website, the company said construction is expected to take between six and 20 weeks.