The pilot study, if successful, could prove revolutionary for both green energy production and the planning system in the UK. In a recent debate in Westminster Hall, MPs called for more regulation for solar farms to allow local people to have their say, to protect farmland and to ensure renewable energy proposals were in the right place. However, subterranean solar power has the potential to remove concerns over the visual impact of solar farms, as well as the loss of agricultural land.

The company say their application should be decided by the planning committee and not by Council officers under delegated powers. A spokesperson for Dark Power, Ms April Fool, said; “Planning guidance was never written to consider an application like this. In our submission we have provided evidence to demonstrate that exceptional circumstances exist for this development in this location and that it would be in the public interest to grant permission.”

A consultation event on the proposed installation, featuring leading academics in sustainable energy, is being planned in the next month. Anyone interested in attending this event or with questions about this proposal have been invited to contact Ms Fool at: [email protected]