A solar farm large enough to power 5,200 homes every year in Warmingham has been approved by councillors.

The 26 hectare site off Drury Lane, which will provide approximately 17 Megawatts (MWp) of electricity at its peak generation, was unanimously approved by Cheshire East's strategic planning board this afternoon (January 27).

It's the final part of a larger solar farm on the land, with facilities to the north and south each able to power 1,500 homes per year — bringing the complex's total capability to just over 8,000 houses.

Representing agents Intelligent Alternatives, James Jamieson told the board: "As noted by the officers, this will generate electricity from a clean source for 5,000 homes every year.

"That will help with the climate emergency declared by the council.

"This will be an important growth project for the local farmer, [and] the site is fully reversible and there will be no impacts on public rights of way."

Mr Jamieson also said that the project will have a shelf-life of 40 years, with sheep allowed to use the land for grazing purposes while the panels are in use.

He added that a series of wildflower rows will also be planted to help bee, bird, and insect populations in the area, and the lack of fertiliser being used on the land for 40 years should also improve the local habitats.