WARRINGTON Borough Council will pay an estimated £63.5 million to buy and fund a solar farm near Doncaster.

During its meeting on Monday, the cabinet was asked to approve the business case for the acquisition and funding of the solar farm at Partridge Hill Farm.

Members approved the business case for the acquisition of Partridge Hill Solar Limited.

The ‘method of acquisition and financing’ was discussed in Part 2 in private.

Members also approved for the scheme to be added to the council’s capital programme, with a value of up to £63.5m to be funded by borrowing.

Furthermore, following agreement, council will put insurance in place to cover ‘all relevant risks’ associated with the acquisition of Partridge Hill Solar Limited and the development and ongoing operation of the solar farm.

During the meeting on Monday, deputy council leader Cllr Cathy Mitchell said this investment is part of the council’s green energy strategy.

She also highlighted that the due diligence that has been carried out to ‘make sure that this is a good investment, as we do for everything’.

A report to the cabinet said the council has ‘for many years’ been a firm supporter of ‘green and ethical’ investments, adding the council has had a successful green energy programme for several years.

It added: “This programme has included the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) on 3,000 Golden Gates properties, large commercial unit on the OMEGA site.

“In 2018 the council took the decision to move to the next level of green investments looking to invest in green energy generation assets.

“Consultation has taken place through the development of the solar farm project to date directly with stakeholders throughout the process.

“The business case and financial model has been reviewed by APSE Energy and professional taxation and structuring advice taken from EY.

“Consultation has also taken place by Gridserve with the residents of the local areas/villages during the planning processes where the solar farms are to be built.”