An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will not be needed before plans to build a 32 hectare solar farm in Kenilworth can progress.

Warwick District Council has told developer Eco Energy World LPA that it will not have to complete an EIA because the 20MW site of Rouncil Lane is unlikely to have a major impact on the local area.

Eco Energy World will now have to submit a full planning application to the council, but early plans show the green belt land could be covered in panels up to four metres high.

The plans said: "There will be some loss of Grade 3 agricultural land, but any loss would be temporary and reversible. 

"The extent to which that is best and most versatile land will be determined through an Agricultural Land Survey. 

"It is not considered that the loss of agricultural land in this location will give rise to likely significant effects."

Plans state that the solar farm would be visible from Rouncil Lane, Centenary Way and the nearby farm buildings, so a 'glint and glare assessment' will also be completed before the full scheme is put forward.

Accepting that an EIA was not necessary, a WDC report said: "It is concluded that the impact on biodiversity, habitats and protected species would not be so significant as to warrant an EIA, as further survey work, such as that suggested by the applicant, and appropriately worded conditions are likely to be able to suitably address the impact of the development on protected species, such as great crested newts."

It added: "There will be visual impact as a result of the proposed development and potential impacts on heritage assets, however, it is considered that this can be adequately assessed and mitigated where necessary through the planning process."

View the full plans here.

An indicitive view of the site layout (Image via planning application)