The first bid to build a solar park in Colchester is likely to be blocked this week because much of it would be built on good agricultural land.

A report by Colchester Council planning officers has recommended refusal of an application for more than 90,000 panels near Langenhoe Hall.

Councillors will rule on the proposed 100-acre farm at a planning committee meeting on Thursday.

In recent years, solar farm plans have become increasingly popular because the cost of maintaining them has more than halved over the last two years.

There are at least 13 developments under way or under consideration in Colchester, Tendring, Braintree and Maldon.

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