PLANS to transform a lime beds site in Northwich into a solar power generation and storage facility have been revealed this week, as a group of businesses launch a public consultation ahead of seeking planning permission.

The project would see brownfield land owned by Tata Chemicals Europe (TCE) at Wallerscote used for a sustainable renewable energy source.

The proposals would be delivered in partnership with Green Earth Developments Group and Infinis Solar Developments Limited, resulting in what is described as a ‘commercial scale photovoltaic solar array with the capacity to generate 20MW, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 8,000 homes’.

The project is said to deliver 100 per cent renewable energy to supply the national grid and industry, potentially including TCE.

TCE said the development is designed to also remediate the Wallerscote lime beds, which cover around 140 acres, preserving rare grassland habitats on the site and creating structured public footpaths with views of the Weaver for recreational use.

TCE added much of the solar power installation will only be visible from footpaths on the site, and will not affect existing sight lines, and is an ‘important step’ in the organisation’s plans to be a net zero chemical manufacturer by 2030.

Phil Davies, general counsel and compliance director at TCE, said: "Wallerscote lime beds have previously been used for industrial purposes for more than 100 years.

“It’s a complex site at significant scale which isn’t suitable for conventional uses.

“We’re excited to bring innovative thinking to make it work hard for the business and community on a number of levels. 

‘’Dedicated to improving the local environment, we have a programme to identify ways to return our redundant land portfolio to productive and sustainable uses.

“It’s exciting to know that with this project, we are enabling community access to a site that has long been private land, enhancing the environment, while developing a commercially astute plan that has great sustainability benefits as well.’’

TCE also recognises the ‘sheer scale and complexity’ of the Wallescote Limbeds sites, so has partnered with specialists at Green Earth Developments and Infinis to design and implement the project.

GED’s Simon Towers said: “As an ethical development company we are delighted to be part of the partnership team delivering this sustainable project.

“Through the remediation process and beyond into the long-term land stewardship plan, we would like to work closely with the local community to ensure this site becomes and remains a community asset for future generations.”

Andy Leeding from Infinis added: “The Government’s energy security strategy focusses on the need to increase UK renewable energy generation, while also seeking to decarbonise the UK electricity system by 2035.

“Renewable energy development has never been more important.

“Infinis is excited to be working alongside Tata and GED on this project, to bring its experience at developing, owning and operating solar on landfill sites to the valuable objective of repurposing this brownfield site.”