NEARLY 15 hectares of a former quarry in north Essex could be converted into a solar farm capable of powering 2,800 homes.

The latest proposed solar park for the county would see nearly 43,000 panels placed on Bluegates Farm, between Alresford and Elmstead Market.

If approved by Tendring Council, it would cover the equivalent of around 20 football pitches and save 3,900 tonnes of carbon a year.

Nick Leaney, director of applicants Aardvark EM, said the land had once been a quarry which was later converted into poor quality agricultural fields.

So far, one resident of Alresford’s Colchester Road has opposed the application.