A THIRD solar farm between Bradfield and Wix has been given the green light.

The scheme at Green Farm, Oakley Road, Wix, was approved by Tendring Council’s planning committee last Tuesday.

The 18.4 acre site will produce 5MW of electricity – enough to power 1,103 homes.

Tendring Council had refused Hive Energy’s initial outlines for a 37-acre solar farm at the site.

Tim Purbrick, Commercial Director at Hive Energy, said: “The beauty of solar is that the development will be completely reversible and after 25 years the land will be returned to agricultural use.

“The solar panels are protected by deer fencing and pile driven into the ground which means there is no need for concrete foundations.

“After the installation is complete new trees, grasses, wildflowers and hedgerows will be planted to improve the site’s biodiversity.”

Hive Energy have pledged to honour their original community fund donation of £28,000 to benefit local causes.

Nigel Brown, Tendring Council’s communications manager, said: “It was strongly backed by the parish council and involved considerably less land than the previous application two years ago.

“The fencing element has been improved and the committee has asked officers to ensure that sufficient landscaping is provided to screen the development from the A120.”