Plans to build a new solar energy farm along the Rochdale Canal are expected to be approved by councillors.
Oldham City Council has applied to install around 2,700 solar panels on more than 8 acres of land at Wrigley Head in Failsworth.
Bounded on either side by the Metrolink and the Rochdale Canal, the site is owned by City Hall and consists of partial hardstanding and birch trees.
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Historical maps suggest it was formerly used as a soccer field and then as an industrial site, and bosses say it is now used for “informal recreation”; including dog walk”.
The area was chosen by City Hall after several months of scouting for community-owned lots, with an alternative lot being rejected as being in the greenbelt.
Under the plans, the Failsworth property would become a solar farm for a “temporary period” of 30 years from the start of power generation.
The panels would be mounted on a frame with a maximum height of 2.4m.
According to the planning committee’s report, the landscaping would include tree clearing, “compensatory replanting” and wildflower meadows “aimed at enhancing overall biodiversity on site”.
A supporting statement on behalf of the council says it recognizes that “climate change is one of the most pressing problems facing humanity in the 21st century”.
“The proposed development would assist Oldham Council in using an idle estate on its property for electricity generation, which feeds into the UK national grid and can be deducted from its total electricity consumption,” it said.
“The efficiencies the council is making from reducing bills will free up money for services.”
The report said the council is proposing to offer educational visits for schools at the site once it is operational.
No objections were received to the proposals.
City councilors will vote on whether to grant the permit at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, December 8.
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