Renewable energy company Hive Energy has submitted a pre-planning application for a 16 hectare solar park to South Kesteven District Council.

Hive Energy plans to construct the park on an agricultural field at Manthorpe Farm in Swallow Hill, near Thurlby, about 800 metres north east of Manthorpe. The site is on a south-west facing slope on a 15 metre incline.

The company anticipates the park to power up to 3,000 homes a year.

Senior environmental planner, Peta Donkin, from planning company Pegasus Group, acting on behalf Hive Energy, said: “We are entering a time when energy is becoming expensive and in higher demand but we want to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

“Solar is a very efficient way of doing this and is a very passive way of achieving energy generation.”

Hive Energy will be given feedback about the feasibility of their projects and what is required for a full planning application, including whether an environment impact assessment is required from the council.

The panels will be no higher than 2.4m and the hedgerow which surrounds field will be maintained and thickened.

Donkin added that Hive Energy plans to plant trees with owl boxes and perching posts to improve conditions for wildlife.

A response to the screening opinion is expected by the end of the month.