PLANNERS are being urged to say 'let there be light' and allow a solar farm to be built in a Portland quarry.

The Crown Estate and local mine operator Albion Stone are behind an application for a solar photovoltaic (PV) park including the installation of panels and supporting structures earmarked for a 7.4 hectare site in part of Independent quarry at Easton.

The proposal is for a temporary development for 25 years after which the land would be restored.

A quarry restoration scheme including quarry profiling and planting scheme is included in the application.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's planning and traffic committee is due to meet tomorrow to make a decision on the plan.

The recommendation is to grant permission subject to conditions and subject to an undertaking by the applicants which secures the offer £10,000 to Dorset Wildlife Trust Portland Living Landscape Project.

Electricity generated by the solar park will be used by a building operated by Albion Stone while any surplus electricity generated will be exported to the National Grid.

A document submitted with the application says: "The site has been selected for its capability and suitability to support the proposed development.

"The Crown Estate is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, some of which are associated with quarrying and manufacturing activities.

"The logic behind such investment in renewable energy schemes is irrefutable. Renewable energy projects are beneficial for both The Crown Estate. Albion Stone is an important local employer. The scheme would protect this existing business from volatile energy markets and at the same time help to cut the carbon emission of The Crown Estate."

Councillors will be told the development is likely to take at least six months to complete and around 69 delivery vehicles will be needed to transport the panels to site with deliveries lasting up to 20 days.

The scheme has been amended slightly following consultation so it will not interfere with an area of open space to the east.

A financial contribution has been raised due to the loss of public access and potentially the loss of restoration work in the quarry. This has led to the applicant offering a £10,000 planning contribution.

This sum is contested by Natural England and the mineral planning authority but a report to councillors says this is considered acceptable given the renewable energy benefits.