A NEW solar farm near Wellington which could power up to 10,500 homes could be operational by late next year.

Novus Renewable Services Ltd won planning permission for the solar park next to Preston Farm, Preston Bowyer, near Milverton.

But, the project is now being taken forward by Uniper, a German firm which secured a deal to provide power from the site to the National Grid in the Government’s most recent auction of renewable energy contracts.

Uniper and its UK partner Innova have now confirmed construction of the Preston Bowyer solar farm will begin in early 2027, with the facility expected to be up and running later that year.

Once connected to the grid it will generate about 28.8MWp of electricity, enough to power more than 10,000 homes.