A large new solar farm in Cumbria has lodged initial plans with planning authorities. Developers claim the electricity generated would be enough to power 12,750 homes.

The land earmarked for the proposals is currently marked as grade three agricultural land according to Natural England's regional maps.

The scheme is located in Gleaston which is between the Cumbrian towns of Barrow and Ulverston. The entire solar farm would extend to 104 hectares of farmland and have a lifespan of 40 years.

READ MORE: New research: Solar farms increase biodiversity and benefit crops

Novus Renewable Services has lodged a "screening request" with Westmorland and Furness Council.

If the screening process by the local authority identifies significant environmental effects, an impact assessment would then be needed.

The proposed farm, on land to the south of Riddings Lane, would provide the equivalent level of electricity to power 24% of all properties in the South Lakeland area, according to Novus Renewable Services.

READ MORE: Do solar farms contribute to empty supermarket shelves?

A letter submitted on behalf of the firm said there was an "urgent requirement for the development of renewable energy to meet the [government's] net zero targets and ensure the security of the UK energy supply".

The farm would take six months to build, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.