A solar farm the size of 200 football pitches is being planned for the fields surrounding Honiley.

The solar farm, which is being planned by Enso Energy, could cover up to 137 hectares of land either side of Honiley Road.

Construction is expected to take around seven months, and the farm could be in place for up to 40 years.

As well as the solar panels, battery storage would also be built to allow energy to be stored when it is not in such high demand from the National Grid. The energy could then be used when demand increases.

The 49.9MW farm will produce the equivalent demands of around 12,000 homes each year, according to Enso.

This would not be the first renewable energy source to be built in Warwickshire. As well as the already functioning Drayton Manor site in Stratford another solar farm is being built by Hive Energy in Rugby.

Whilst a full planning application is yet to be submitted, the company has already engaged with Warwick District Council over the Environmental Impact Assessment which the council said was not necessary.

Statement from Enso Energy

With many local councils, including Warwick District Council, announcing climate emergencies, Enso has said it is vital that new energy sources are built across the nation.

"We've got to change the way we make energy in the UK," said director Ian Harding.

"Our proposals are in line with Warwick District Council's declaration of a climate emergency, as well as the local and national climate change targets that are enshrined in law."

Enso has also said that it is committed to working with local residents and hearing their opinions.

Before a planning application is submitted to the council, the company is hosting a consultation event at Wren Hall on School Lane on Monday 6 September from 2pm to 7pm.

Harding added: "At Enso Energy, we believe it is crucial that local communities are able to see and shape planning applications that may have an impact on them.

"That's why we are inviting the local community to have their say at our public consultation event."

Residents' concerns

Residents have already raised concerns about the plans, specifically regarding the development on greenbelt land.

A residents' group called 'Friends of the Greenbelt' has been formed to coordinate objections to the proposal when it is submitted.

Kenilworth Nub News has contacted the group for comment.

More information on the Honiley Road Solar Farm can be found by following this link.