A MASSIVE solar farm in Denbighshire would give a £7.9million boost to the area’s economy even during the construction stage, it is claimed.

Consultants also estimate that during its 37-year operational lifespan, the development at Gwernigron Farm, near St Asaph, would support the equivalent of eight full-time jobs and contribute £8.6m.

The application from Statkraft UK, who took over the original applicants by Solarcentury, for the 290-acre site between the A55 and A525 is being dealt with by the Welsh Government as a Development of National Significance.

A decision is expected within the next few months.

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In addition to the solar panels, it is proposed to have batteries on the site, which could store electricity and release it into the national grid when it is needed.

The Elwy Solar Farm, covering an area 10 times the size of Wembley Stadium, would generate enough electricity to power 16,500 homes.

Following the original application, which has been approved in principle by Denbighshire County Council, further evidence on various aspects have been requested.

In an economics benefits statement, consultants Pegasus Group say the construction is expected to take seven months, with 100 jobs on-site at the peak.

And although 70 per cent of the workers would come from outside Denbighshire, they would be staying locally and spending an average of £75 a day on accommodation, food and drink.

“The proposed development could support up to 233 temporary jobs, both direct jobs on-site and in the wider supply chain, during the construction period (and similar levels of employment during decommissioning of the project),” says the report.

“It is estimated that the scheme will support up to eight full-time equivalent jobs (FTE) in Denbighshire and the wider economy once it is operational.

“The gross value added (GVA) associated with the eight FTEs is estimated to be £8.6m over the 37-year operational lifespan.”

In addition, business rates generated by the project could be about £200,000 a year.