A DAIRY farm will become an eco-model for others to follow if granted planning permission for 165 solar panels.

The roof-mounted panels would be on a south-east facing cattle building at Poplar Hall Farm, near Tattenhall, providing 17% of the farm’s annual 150,000kwh of electricity needs.

The 31.35kw scheme would reduce reliance on non-renewable power sources for a dairy which has high electricity demands particularly for cooling milk.

It is anticipated the output would produce 25,30kwh per annum and save 270 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions over 25 years.

A document supporting the application to Cheshire West and Chester Council says the solar array would contribute positively to both the ethos of the property owner and the thrust of government and local government policy with respect to renewable energy.

It concludes: “The proposed array will assist in the production of clean, renewable and sustainable electricity for consumption by the estate and from which any surplus will be fed back to the grid for others to benefit.

“The generation of such electricity is supported by both government and local planning policy. The photovoltaic array will be so positioned as to mitigate visual harm.

“It has been demonstrated that the array will not have an unacceptable impact upon the character of the traditional farm buildings and will have no impact upon the amenity of the local area.

“It is clear the potential benefits of the proposals outweigh any potential harm and our conclusion is that, having regard to the local plan and all other material planning considerations, this application will positively contribute toward a low carbon economy in Cheshire.”