A SOLAR farm near Abbotskerswell could be operational for a further five years if planners agree.

The company behind the solar installation at Rydon Farm, Two Mile Oak, is asking Teignbridge Council to extend the lifespan of the farm from 25 years to 30 years.

It was granted planning permission in 2014 and connected to the grid network in March 2015.

The current permission allows the solar panels to be in place for 25 years from the date it began producing electricity.

Historically, the lifespan of such a farm was thought to be 25 years.

But examples of photovoltaic panels performing well beyond that prompted a technical assessment which looks at the expected viability of solar farms.

That independent assessment concluded that, with appropriate maintenance, the life expectancy is now 30 years.

Lightsource, which installed the panels, is now asking planners to vary the planning permission to a period of 30 years before it is decommissioned.

The company said: ‘The majority of the financial expense and local disturbance involved happens during its installation.

‘Therefore by extending operation for an additional five years, we will be able to generate more renewable energy with minimal ongoing costs and without additional disturbance to the land.’

A decision is expected in June.