A NEW solar farm could be coming to areas in Barkham if next month's submitted planning application is passed, the Wokingham Borough Council has said.

The council made the announcement earlier last week, explaining the move in a bid to make the borough a net-zero emissions area.

It is believed that solar panels placed in council-owned land, spanning more than 56 football pitches (40 hectares) and adjacent to Barkham Ride could renewably power about 5,000 homes and businesses for years, as well as saving about 6,325 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

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Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for resident services, communications and emissions, said: “Tackling climate change is incredibly important for Wokingham Borough and its residents.

“We’ve committed to going net carbon zero by 2030 and finding ways to generate renewable energy within the borough forms a massive part of our plans.

“Solar energy offers a fantastic opportunity to help us address climate change.

"Not only is it truly renewable, but it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, is quick and easy to install and runs silently with minimal maintenance or running costs once in place. "

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He added that the council has been surveying the land with solar farm experts, and have informed the tenant farmers on site of the plans.

Cllr Murray added: “We wanted to share our plans with resident’s before we submit the planning application as we know people will have lots of questions about what’s proposed.

“We know some people may have concerns such as if the scheme would mean lots of new cars travelling to the site, if it will be noisy whilst it operates or if it might make the site easier to change to residential in the future.

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"The answer to all these is no. After it’s installed the site would only require the occasional visit from engineers and the equipment is designed to be quiet.

"The planning status of the land would also remain unchanged with it reverting back to farmland after the solar farm reaches the end of its lifespan in 40 years."

For more information, visit www.wokingham.gov.uk.