Controversial plans to build a solar farm in West Cumbria are still in the pipeline.
Belltown Power lodged a proposal for the solar farm covering 200 acres of land to the north east of Egremont, below Dent Fell, earlier this year.
But it was forced back to the drawing board after its scheme prompted huge outcry.
The Bristol-based developer said it was still working on the solar farm at Cobra Castle, and was aiming to hold a consultation in the autumn before lodging its plans in the winter.
It added that a decision on the plans would be made in spring or summer next year and that if successful, construction and energisation would begin in 2028.
If Cobra Castle solar farm went ahead, it would be one of the UK’s biggest solar farms.
Built below Dent, between Egremont and Wilton, it would operate for around 40 years.
Its original scheme drew mass opposition and the Save Dent Fell group was set up.
It said it supported renewable energy, but not at the cost of heritage, landscape and the community’s connection to Dent Fell.
Save Dent Fell banners have been erected around Egremont and several homeowners have placed signs in their windows supporting the group.
If the plans were given the go ahead, the firm initially said it would provide a community benefit and education fund of £680,000 over the lifetime of the project.
It added that the funding would support local initiatives, such as rooftop solar panels on community buildings, or conservation projects, alongside funding for local primary schools to visit the site and hold classroom workshops.
Belltown Power added the solar farm site would be given enhanced landscaping including hedgerows to screen the farm and provide habitats for animals.
It added that insect hotels, bird boxes, wildflower meadows and new stream habitats would be added to the site.
For the first application, it held an event in April, in Egremont Market Hall.
It resulted in Belltown Power announcing that it was shifting project timescales back in response to feedback it received.
The event was criticised as not comprehensive enough and people claimed only 100 consultation forms were available.
At the time, Egremont Town Council said it had spoken to the developer, which said extra time was needed to fully understand and respond to the comments and concerns it was receiving over the plans.
