Hapsford may become home to a 5MW solar farm capable of generating enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1,300 homes.

Peel Energy is proposing to construct the scheme on land south of junction 14 of the M56 and to the west of the A5117.

The electricity generated would be transported to where it is required via the national grid, so it could be consumed anywhere in the country.

A spokesman for Peel Energy said that the scheme, if approved, would ‘contribute towards the UK’s legally binding commitment to cut carbon emissions and assist in reducing the impacts of climate change caused by the release of greenhouse gasses’.

The company held a meeting at Dunham Hill and Hapsford Village Hall in relation to its proposals on Wednesday (February 25).

Members of the public had the opportunity to comment on the proposals and ask questions of members of the Peel Energy team ahead of the application being submitted.

Helsby parish councillor Terry O’Neill said he did not know what output would be expected from the solar farm but speculated that it ‘will need to be big to make any difference’.

But he added we ‘have to have an open mind’ when considering how to meet energy needs in the future.

Peel Energy is also behind the 19-turbine wind farm on land adjacent to Frodsham Canal Deposit Grounds, which was granted planning consent in 2012.

Professor John Dearden, who lives locally, said it seems as though the area is ‘being attacked by Peel – incinerator, wind farm and now a solar farm’.

He added: “In my view, solar farms are much less dangerous than wind farms, although they can be distracting. For example, from reflected sunlight.”

The Peel Energy spokesman said when the planning application is submitted, it will be supported by an environmental statement containing the findings of ‘extensive environmental and technical studies’.