New plans have been drawn up for a giant solar farm on open land in the north of Plymouth.

The 30-acre site is in two sections on fields off Tamerton Road at Roborough, alongside the Belliver industrial estate, which is partially in South Hams.

Planning permission was granted for a 4.9megawatt solar farm on the land for a temporary period of 25 years in March 2016.

Now details of a new scheme have emerged in preliminary planning documents submitted to the city council by Regenerate Power.

The new proposals are for the same site and would see the installation of south-facing solar panels and associated equipment for 40 years. 

The ground-mounted panels would be protected to allow sheep to graze on the land.

The company says there is natural screening around the site and visual impact is only likely within a short distance, with no effect on the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Dartmoor National Park. 

The south section of the site would be reached from Belliver Way, and the north part would be accessed from Tamerton Road.

The city council has decided that there is no need for a full environmental impact assessment for the scheme, as the issues raised can be dealt with in a standard planning application.

A report from a planning officer notes the site is in a secluded valley, with part of the area covered by South Hams District Council. 

It says the impact on the surrounding population can be managed by controlling “glint and glare” from the solar farm.

The report says the proposed development would ensure the land can be returned to agricultural use. The effect on wildlife could be mitigated by ensuring access for sheep and badgers and preserving and enhancing trees and hedgerows.

A 4.9megawatt solar farm is estimated to provide enough power for around 1,300 homes.