Plans for a solar farm the size of 45 football pitches are yet to be decided on by Maldon District Council, following its declaration of a climate emergency last year.

Low Carbon Solar Park 1 Limited plans to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm on an 89-acre site next to Hazeleigh Hall Wood, which it says will "enable the fields to rest and recover from continuous farming and encourage biodiversity".

According to a design and access statement, it is estimated Maldon Wycke Solar Farm would generate around 25 megawatts of renewable energy, enough electricity to power over 8,300 homes each year.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said it does not currently have a scheduled date for the application to be presented at a District Planning Committee, as it is waiting for 'a couple' of consultee responses.

In a statement, they said: "As this is a current application it would not be appropriate for the Council to comment on it.

"Notwithstanding this, the Council looks to seek to support sustainable development and to limit the impacts of climate change and this needs to be balanced against the Council's need to protect the natural beauty of the District."

At a meeting in February last year, Councillors were advised "the Climate Emergency Statement would demonstrate the Council's commitment to playing its part in helping the District by agreeing to reduce carbon emissions and become a net zero carbon organisation by 2030".

The planning application is available to view here.