A SOLAR farm could be opened on two fields in north Warrington.

The development, on Hurst Lane in Glazebury, would see the fields, which are on green belt land, used for the next 40 years.

There would also be an underground connection so the power could be used in nearby Culcheth.

Formal plans have yet to be submitted but developers Noventum Power have submitted an initial screening request to Warrington Borough Council.

It states that the site comprises of two fields located to the south of a railway line which will be accessed from an existing tunnel to the north of the railway.

In order to connect the solar farm to the substation in Culcheth, an underground electrical cable will be installed.

The plans add: "The proposed development will include landscaping in the form of planting in order to screen the solar farm from public viewpoints.

"The proposed planting and other measures will also provide a biodiversity enhancement.

"There will also be potential for sheep grazing between the panels during the operational period, continuing the current agricultural use of the site.

"Vehicular access will be provided via Hurst Lane and along an existing track running along the northern edge of the railway line and through an existing tunnel underneath the bridge.

"Where larger construction vehicles are required, they can access the site via the level crossing over the railway line, which is accessed via Duckinfield Farm. The planning application will include details of access and routing for construction vehicles.

"Following the 40 year operational period, the site would be decommissioned, with equipment being removed at that time and the site returned to full agricultural use."

A full planning application is likely to now be submitted before any work could begin.