AN APPLICATION to build a solar park the size of 10 football pitches has been lodged with North Ayrshire Council.

The proposed array of photovoltaic panels north east of Castlehill Farm and right next to housing in Whitehirst Park will generate up to 5MW of electricity for the local network – able to power 1,100 households a year.

Supporters of solar parks say they have many advantages over windfarms including lack of noise with no moving parts and they can also be grazed or combined with other farming.

However, the Kilwinning development is likely to trigger concerns over the visual impact.

Adele Ellis of AE Associates who is the planning consultant for the applicant SBC Renewables says the site will be screened from view by planting new trees.

She said: “The site is very well contained and already has a high level of natural screening with the existing vegetation around the site.

“It is planned that further planting to the north east edge of the site where the woodland and hedging has become sparse in some areas will be supplemented by native species which will encourage a thick growth and improve the natural habitats for wildlife in the area.

“Furthermore as a form of instant screening that does not require a long time to mature will be a planting of willow to the height of the fenceline around the development.

“This will give an instant screen and again provide valuable and diverse habitats for local wildlife.

“SBC are very keen to keep the development as sympathetic as possible to the location and for it to have as little impact as possible to local residents.”