A FIELD of 20,100 solar panels could be heading for Kearsley.

Applicants AR Partners Ltd have submitted plans to Bolton Council to instal a vast solar farm on land in Bent Spur Farm.

Plans include covering a 31.8 acre site, the equivalent of nearly 19 football pitches, and ground mounted panels will stand at 2.5 meters high.

The 5MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm will be large enough to produce enough energy to power approximately 1,200 homes and applicants have said that it would result in a CO2 emission reduction of approximately 1,500 tonnes each year.

All electricity produced by the site will be fed into the national grid.

The proposed development will also provide the farm with a income stream for 25 years, and a 26 year temporary permission is being sought to allow for construction and decommissioning and 25 years operational life.

Nine homes in Mossfield Road directly overlooking the site have received a notification letter from the council.

However, resident and objector David Morse, said more homes would be effected by the construction of such a huge development.

"There's one hundred houses on the estate and many of them look over the site," he added.

"I would like the council to send out the letter to every single resident. How are we meant to protest it if only nine people know?"

"I'm right next to it and it's going to spoil my view and the value of my property."

Residents who have been sent a notification letter have until Tuesday, September 15, to respond.

A spokesperson for the council said the application had been advertised in accordance with statutory requirements and further notification will occur in the near future by way of site notices and potentially further neighbour notification letters.

The site was formerly an extension of Manor Golf Club but has been redundant for the past 18 months.

In a covering letter to the council planning department, AR Partners Ltd said the land was no longer financially viable but the "development of the Solar Park allows the farmer to diversify and will ensure the continuing viability of the farming business."

Consultees also found that the planting or trees and plants around the proposed farm would help negate any negative impact on the environment and limit the impact of the changes to the landscape.