Floating solar farm could be built in Cavendish Dock, Barrow

Consultancy firm Green Cat Renewables has submitted a letter to Westmorland and Furness Council requesting a screening opinion on the project, which the developer estimates would produce 35-40MW of power. 

According to the plans the panels would be mounted on floating pontoons which are secured to the base of the dock by an anchoring system. 

Cavendish Dock is home to several bird species (Image: Google Maps)

"The simple design concept also allows for a faster and more efficient installation than other construction methods which may have a greater and longer-term detrimental effect on the local environment," the documents state.

The developer states that the solar array 'will have a minimal impact post construction' and that the site will remain available for use by the angling club and the local community utilising the footpaths around the dock. 

"The applicant is currently investigating the potential to provide further enhancements to the local area such as the planting of wildflowers in the margins of the site and native planting around the perimeter of the dock to blend any security fencing," the plans add. 

The proposed solar farm will be in the purple area of the site location plan (Image: Westmorland and Furness Council)

The site will generate no waste or pollution as there will only be infrequent vehicle movements post construction for ongoing maintenance, it is said. 

The letter continues: "There may be minor disturbance during the construction period as panels and equipment are delivered to the site, and while the floating elements are installed in the docks." Currently, the developer plans to access the site from Cavendish Road, which will require activity over a nine to 12 month period 'as a worst case' for construction. 

READ MORE: Council publishes draft planning document for Marina Village

The letter admits that the dock is 'known to support' various bird species, particularly along the Baffle Wall structure. It argues that the overall number of waterbirds using the site are 'much lower' compared to historic levels because of the absence of the macrophyte Ruppia maritima from the thermal discharges of the former Roosecote Power Station. 

It also proposed using 'laser deterrents' to prevent roosting gulls damaging the solar panels, encouraging the birds to continue using Baffle Wall. 

It adds that the array will be in the northern section of the dock, leaving an 'extensive' area of open water available to support loafing or feeding birds. 

"Given the modest overall scale of the proposed development. It is not currently considered that the proposals will give rise to any significant adverse environmental impacts," the letter concludes.