The applicant says the proposed solar farm could generate electricity to power about 10,000 homes
Plans for a solar farm near a village in Leicestershire are set to be decided at a council meeting.
Melton Borough Council's planning committee is recommended by officers to approve a planning application on Thursday from Downing Renewable Developments to build a solar farm on land east of Waltham Road near Freeby.
The applicant states the proposed development would produce up to 42 MW of renewable energy and could provide enough electricity to power about 10,000 homes.
In planning documents, the applicant said the scheme would make a "significant contribution" to local and national energy goals.
The solar farm is planned for fields near the village of Freeby
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the plans also included proposals for a battery storage system, new tracks, fencing, lighting and CCTV.
The applicant says the proposed project, which would be built on a site spanning 81 hectares (200.2 acres), would be decommissioned in 40 years time.
A report submitted by the applicant states: "This project will generate renewable energy.
"It will also facilitate additional renewable energy generation on the UK grid network, as well as performing grid stability and balancing services, through importing and exporting electricity at times of high and low demand and network system stress."
The report submitted by the applicant added there would be "significant environmental enhancements" included in the project.
A report by Melton Borough Council planning officers concluded the benefits of the proposal "outweighs" the harms.
Additional reporting by Dan Hunt
Tell us which stories we should cover in Leicester
Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, external, on X, external, or on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk, external or via WhatsApp, external on 0808 100 2210.
Major solar farm plans for village countryside
Melton Borough Council
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Oakham roastery finalist at major national awards
Sculpture of fossil named after Sir David Attenborough unveiled in honour of his 100th birthday
PCC plans to roll out £2m security wardens to towns – but policing boss calls it a ‘bad idea’
Heartfelt plea to help shape new carers strategy
Schoolchildren celebrate Attenborough's 100th birthday with stunning gesture
Women led butchery near Melton Mowbray
Labour MP backs down from leadership challenge but calls on Starmer to go by September
Analysis: Has Starmer done enough to save his premiership?
Tourist hotspot at 'end of the world' denies causing hantavirus outbreak
Why Eurovision's fallout over Israel may change the competition forever
My sister was spending £1,000 a month on drink from delivery apps
How worried should we be about hantavirus?
Martin Lewis delivers emotional speech, and nine other Bafta TV moments
His father had just been buried. Then West Bank settlers forced him to dig up the body
This couple lost £1,000 after their flight was cancelled – here is what to check so you don't
Our relationship with food is messed up – let's sort it out, says Stanley Tucci
The summer a golden generation lost its shine
Politics Essential: Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox every weekday
Bafta-winning comedy starring Lucy Punch and Joanna Lumley
Fabio Wardley’s journey to the top of heavyweight boxing
An epic new drama of betrayal, love and vengeance
A cutting-edge thriller about a terrifying AI takeover
Star Wars and Shakespeare actor Michael Pennington dies aged 82
Tourist hotspot at 'end of the world' denies causing hantavirus outbreak
Martin Lewis delivers emotional speech, and nine other Bafta TV moments
Analysis: Has Starmer done enough to save his premiership?
Man charged after car hits five people in town centre
My sister was spending £1,000 a month on drink from delivery apps
Trump calls Iran response to US proposal to end war 'totally unacceptable'
British Steel nationalisation plans announced by Starmer
Why Eurovision's fallout over Israel may change the competition forever
British passengers from hantavirus-hit cruise ship isolating in hospital
Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

source