A GREEN energy firm has unveiled plans to create a 'solar park' on land near a farm in Hoddlesden.

Burscough-based Green Switch Solutions wants to install solar panels near Middle Scotland Farm, near Chapman Lane.

The plans were revealed as Green Switch submitted documents to Blackburn with Darwen Council, asking if an 'environmental impact assessment' would be required.

In a letter sent to the council, Jennifer Gill, planning assistant at Green Switch, said: "The proposal is to install up to 5MWp of solar panels on the land.

"While it is considered there will be impacts on the area over and above those which already exist due to the installation of PV (photovoltaic) on agricultural land, such as minimal visual impact to the immediate locality, these are matters that can be dealt with as part of the planning application.

"This is supported by the fact that the development is not within, adjacent or in close proximity to any sensitive environmental features."

If successful, the PV panels would be 0.8metres off the ground with a maximum height of 2.4metres from ground level.

The development would also include ancillary works including access tracks and a substation.

Ms Gill added: "The proposed development will have no adverse impact on the conservation, historic or landscape setting of settlements.

"The impact on character and views will be limited because of the small height and little movement of the panels.

"The proposed development does not encroach upon the links between built up areas within the countryside.

"The nature of the solar panel farm is reversible, reducing its impact, which is likely to be decommissioned after 25 years.

"Therefore, it is not considered that the site is located within an environmentally sensitive area as defined within the regulations.

"Due to the panel height not exceeding the approximate height of 2.4m the visual impact of this proposal on the wider landscape will be limited, particularly when considering the surrounding hedges and tree scape that will be retained.

"There are no mechanical parts with the panels reducing the amount of noise generated by their presence on the site, resulting in little noise impact on even the closest local residents."

Council planning officers have said no EIA is required, so a planning application from Green Switch is anticipated in the coming months.