Plans for a huge solar panel site in Backworth were narrowly approved by North Tyneside councillors, despite concerns about its impact on locals and the green belt.
The solar site, applied for by property developer Northumberland Estates, will generate 28 megawatts of electricity and potentially power up to 9,000 homes a year. According to the developer, the farm would also have a 40-year lifespan.
However, both councillors and neighbours raised concerns about a development of this scale, located on land east of Backworth Lane, in a green belt and wildlife corridor.
