PLANS have been unveiled a new solar farm on 210 acres of land in east Durham.

Lightsource BP will hold a community consultation event for new Hulam solar farm proposal on Hulam Farm, Castle Eden at the Hesleden Workingmen’s Club in Hesleden on Wednesday December 4.

The company says the 49.9MW solar farm will provide enough clean renewable energy to 13,397 homes, saving 16,865 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, the equivalent of taking 3,588 large family cars off the roads.

A biodiversity management plan will be developed in conjunction with the planning application. As part of the initiative, planting, seeding and habitat creation plans will focus on native species.

Lightsource BP is also eager to hear from wildlife enthusiasts and local schools who may be interested in playing a role in the ongoing monitoring of wildlife on the site.

Conor McGuigan, director of Business Development for Europe, Lightsource BP said: “We want to ensure that local communities in and around the proposed location have all the information they need about this project. We’re holding this information event to speak to elected representatives, local businesses and residents of the local community, and to gather feedback. This event is also a great way for the community to ask any questions they may have about the project or solar energy in general.”

Residents can obtain further information on the project, at any time, by getting in touch with the Lightsource BP team via info@lightsourcebp.com quoting “Hulam Farm”.