A major business is proposing to become more eco-friendly at its Isle of Wight base — by installing a solar farm.
On land owned by GKN Aerospace Services, in Whippingham, the company is hoping to install roughly 3,432 solar panels.
Using energy generated
Planning documents submitted to the Isle of Wight council, by agents BCM, say it is the aerospace company’s intention to use the renewable energy generated to offset energy demands.
Energy not needed by GKN could go to the local electrical distribution network.
Location of site
The field of fallow grass is next to the cricket ground on Beatrice Avenue and behind the Whippingham Technology Park.
It is proposed a wildflower mix would be sown under the ground-mounted panels.
3,432 solar panels
The solar panels would cover 5,885m² of ground and stand between 2.7m and 3m tall.
It could take between four and six months to construct.
Electric substation
An electric substation, 8ft tall fence, and access track are also proposed to be built into the site.
There is no set end date for the site but BCM say the operational period of the panels is typically 40 years and at the end of that time the land would be restored to grassland.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 23/00630/FUL, on the council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 5th June.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: zbynek burival under CC BY 2.0
