NEARLY 200 acres of land could become the site for a large solar project following plans from a solar company.

Lightsource bp has outlined proposals to build a 49.9MW solar farm on 190 acres of land at Lodge Farm, Old London Road, Woodham Walter, and Hall Farm, Maldon Road, Woodham Mortimer.

Residents are being invited to a community information event where more information will be made available about the proposals.

The proposed solar project could provide enough clean renewable energy to power 14,658 homes, saving 10,142 tonnes of carbon emissions every year - the equivalent of taking 6,975 large family cars off the roads.

Lightsource bp says the project is part of its mission to rapidly accelerate the move to a low carbon future.

The layout of the proposed site has been designed so the open grassland is suitable for grazing small livestock.

The company plans to retain the potential for agricultural use on the site.

Head of environmental planning Katy McGuinness said: “Solar energy is not only clean and renewable, but it also generates domestic electricity.

“This makes solar an important part of meeting the global rise in energy demand efficiently and more sustainably, which is a core aspect of Lightsource bp’s sustainability mission.

“We want to ensure that communities in and around the proposed location have all the information they need about this project.

“We’re holding this information event to speak to elected representatives, local businesses and residents of the local community, and to gather feedback.”

The event is on Wednesday, September 27, at the West Maldon Community Centre in Sunbury Way.

Residents are invited to drop in at any time between 4pm and 6pm. The Lightsource bp team will be on hand to discuss the planning proposal and gather feedback from the community.

Residents can also obtain further information on the project by getting in touch with the Lightsource bp team via info@lightsourcebp.com quoting ‘Maldon’.