Plans for a major solar farm, which will power around 15,000 homes, have been revealed.
Belltown Power plans to create the 200 acre development near Egremont.
Known as Cobra Castle Solar Farm, it would sit between the town and Wilton and would operate for around 40 years, the Bristol-based developers said.
The firm said it hoped a decision would be made later this year or early next year and it would take between six to nine months to erect.
Belltown Power was founded in 2013 and said it had delivered over 200MW of now operating wind, solar, and hydropower capacity across Scotland, Wales and England.
It has now launched a public consultation to gauge people’s reaction.
It said residents will soon receive a letter and feedback form in the post, providing an opportunity to share their views.
It will also hold a community engagement event on Thursday April 3 at Egremont Market Hall between 3pm to 7pm where people will be able to meet members of the project team and ask any questions they may have.
The firm said if it gets the go-ahead, it will provide a community benefit and education fund of £680,000 over the lifetime of the project.
The funding will help support local initiatives such as rooftop solar on community buildings or conservation projects, as well as funding for local primary schools to visit the sites and hold classroom workshops.
It said the solar farm would include enhanced landscaping including hedgerows will both screen the site and provide habitats for animals. New stream habitats and wildflower meadows would support pollinators, alongside insect hotels and bird boxes.
Ruth Luckins, of Belltown Power, said: “We are very much looking forward to speaking to members of the community about our plans for Cobra Castle Solar Farm.
“If approved, this solar farm will provide much-needed renewable energy, helping to decarbonise the electricity network and support Cumberland Council in meeting its net zero carbon emissions targets.”
The consultation will close on Sunday April 13.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to Cumberland Council in late spring/early summer.
