Country lane solar farm could power 13,000 homes – BBC

The developer says the solar farm could generate 40 MW of electricity
A large solar farm could be built next to a country lane that was part of the 2025 Tour of Britain cycle race.
The developer said the project near Maulden, Bedfordshire could generate enough power for more than 13,000 homes.
Some of the people who live nearby said the solar farm would spoil the scenery and the site should be left as agricultural land.
The developer said the location was chosen for its distance from large numbers of houses and natural screening.
Limbersey Lane was part of the third stage of the 2025 men's Tour of Britain between Milton Keynes and Ampthill.
The Greenstead Solar farm is planned for land near Haynes West End, alongside Limbersey Lane to the north of Maulden.
According to developer Brockwell Energy's website, the development could cover about 75 hectares (185 acres) and generate up to 40 MW of electricity.
The company said this would be enough to power more than 13,000 homes.
Limbersey Lane was part of stage three of the Tour of Britain, which took riders through Woburn Abbey Deer Park
A spokesperson said: "The proposed site for Greenstead Solar was selected due to the offer of a viable grid connection, its location away from a large number of residents, and the availability of natural screening due to mature vegetation."
However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said some local residents had raised concerns about the scale of the scheme and its potential impact on the surrounding countryside, including farmland, landscape and nearby woodland.
One resident said the proposals risked changing the character of the area, which they described as valued for its rural setting.
Limbersey Lane is mostly surrounded by farmland
Posting on social media, another resident argued solar panels should be placed on retail and industrial buildings and car parks, rather than on farmland.
The construction phase is expected to last around 32 weeks, with minimal activity once the site becomes operational.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council in the summer.
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