A COMPANY applying to build a solar park in Dengie said it is "very encouraged" after acting on council feedback in resubmitting the proposals.

Plans for the potential Dengie Solar Park will go before a planning committee tonight.

The proposed site is land south of Keelings Road, Dengie.

A resubmitted planning application was sent in following amendments to the project design after previous feedback from the council. 

Changes included revising the flood risk assessment and the outline drainage strategy.

A spokesman from applicant BSR Energy said: “We are very encouraged that following these revisions, the case officer has recommended Dengie Solar Park for planning approval. 

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Example - Stock image of solar panelsExample - Stock image of solar panels (Image: Pixabay)

“We are grateful for the council’s feedback, which has enabled us to bring forward a project which the case officer has deemed to cause no harm to local residents beyond the construction period, and have no adverse impact on nature conservation. 

“BSR Energy is committed to achieving biodiversity net gain of at least 60 per cent across its UK solar parks, through initiatives such as bird and bat boxes, wildflower planting and hedgerow gapping.”

If the Dengie Solar Park goes ahead, the company plans to achieve a much larger biodiversity net gain.

The spokesman said: “If the project is now granted consent, is it expected that construction will commence in late 2024/early 2025 and last for approximately six months until the solar park becomes operational.”

Maldon District Council will rule on the plans.

For more information visit britishrenewables.com/projects/dengie-solar-park.