A SOLAR farm is being planned at a former landfill site.

The green energy scheme could be constructed at the Butchersfield Landfill Site off Manchester Road in Rixton, bordering the Manchester Ship Canal and Mersey.

It is anticipated that the project will occupy eight hectares of land and would have the capacity to produce 4.8 megawatts of electricity, with the farm set to be in operation for around 40 years before the area is ‘returned to its former use’.

Developers have consulted with Warrington Borough Council over a screening opinion as part of the proposals.

Documents lodged as part of this process stated: “The proposed development will have an anticipated lifespan of approximately 40 years and requires limited maintenance, thus consuming limited resources.

“Furthermore, given the site’s former use as a landfill site, and thus limited future agricultural use, the proposal is considered an efficient use of the land.

“During the lifespan little or no waste will be generated during energy generation.

“Solar farms are at the leading edge of zero emission energy generation.

“This solar development will be designed to ensure that it is not ground intrusive with all infrastructure floating above the existing ground conditions.

“Proposals will therefore not penetrate or have any impacts on the historic landfill site and would not create pollution or nuisance given the benign nature of the panels and proposal.

“The scale and nature of the proposal could not lead to major accident or disaster and the development would not involve the application of substances or technologies that would create a significant risk to human health.

“Infrastructure for the proposal has been designed to be surface mounted to ensure that there will be no penetration through into the landfill.”

Natural England and parish councillors have raised concerns over the impact on wildlife ahead of an anticipated full application for planning permission.

Warrington Borough Council has ruled that an environmental impact assessment would be required as part of this submission.