A FLOATING solar farm could be built at Barrow's Cavendish Dock after it was decided the potential development would not result in 'significant environmental effects'.

Westmorland and Furness Council responded to a letter asking for an environmental screening opinion on the plan.

Consultancy firm Green Cat Renewables said the project, involving panels mounted on floating pontoons, would produce 35 to 40MW of electricity, enough to power more than 10,000 homes. 

The solar array is due to make part of a substantial development of the Port of Barrow by Associated British Ports over the next 15 years.

A full planning application could now be submitted after it was decided there would not be a negative impact on the local wildlife and environment as a result of the project.

The council said an environmental impact assessment would therefore not be needed.

The popular dog walking spot lies in the South Walney and Piel Channel Flats site of special scientific interest and supports a 'rich growth' of aquatic plants.

Cavendish Dock is also described as feeding and roosting area for wildfowl and the only known moult site for mute swans in Cumbria.

In a letter to developers, the council said: "Having regard to the current nature, scale and extent of the site and the likely potential impacts of the installation of the proposed floating solar array on the water surface within Cavendish Dock, dockside infrastructure and cabling route, together with the information supplied in the Screening Request, it is the opinion of the local planning authority that it is unlikely that the proposed development would result in significant environmental effects at this time."

The developer says 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 using the footpaths around the dock. 

The floating solar farm is due to be the first major project in ABP's masterplan with a new jetty and bases to serve offshore wind projected to follow. 

The masterplan also includes proposals for maritime connections to support hydrogen import and carbon storage.