A COMPANY owner has announced plans to build a solar power plant to power a nearby business park in a bid to lower carbon emissions.

Anthony Jepson-Turner has lodged an application with Test Valley Borough Council to construct 60 panels on land close to Nine Mile Water Business Park, in Nether Wallop.

The solar plant will then generate power for the five businesses on the site and be connected through underground cabling to an electrical meter room at the park.

A report submitted on behalf of Mr Jepson-Turner to the council states: “The solar PV (photovoltaic) system will generate electricity and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels whilst also lowering carbon emissions.

“The electricity will be supplied to the adjoining Nine Mile Water Business Park via an underground cable to an existing electric meter room which will house any further electrical equipment, which will in turn supply the five businesses on site. The proposal will therefore contribute significantly towards the regional targets for renewable energy generation.”

The panels will be mounted into the ground and each one is 1.6m tall and one metre wide. They will be planted one above the other and at its highest point they will be 2.31 metres tall.

Mr Jepson-Turner has said the site is shielded by a tree and hedge line, alleviating any visual concerns.

“The site was chosen to minimise the visual impact and still remain close enough to the business park to be able to effectively supply electricity,” the report adds.

“The development is fully screened from all properties and the main road, and is only partially visible from the adjoining public footpath.”

The applicant has said he recognises there may be questions from local councillors and stakeholders and is willing to open talks.

The report adds: “Should the planning authority be minded to refuse the application based on any such concerns, then the applicant would wish to have the opportunity to provide further information, to modify the application, submit to relevant conditions or negotiate a developer obligation before a refusal was issued.”

The park is currently home to a range of businesses including a hearing aid company, an electrical design and contracting firm.

To view the application go to testvalley.gov.uk/planning-and-building/viewplanningapplicationsonline and search 18/02528/FULLS.