Controversial plans for a 20,000-panel solar farm in Flimby have been approved.

Members of Allerdale's development panel were split in their decision, with six councillors voting in favour and six against, but plans were approved after the casting vote of the chairman, Councillor Peter Bales.

UK Sustainable Energy's plans, for land next to St Helens Lane, were discussed by the committee on Tuesday.

Coun Nicky Cockburn, who moved for refusal, said: "The cumulative impact with wind turbines in this area further industrialises the green spaces and agricultural setting that separate Flimby and Seaton, which is contrary to Allerdale local plan."

Coun Cockburn also expressed concerns that the aspect of the site were not properly taken into consideration by UK Sustainable Energy.

She said: "They say in the report it would provide energy for 1930 homes.

"These panels are north west facing and I don't think at this latitude they can get anywhere near the amount of solar resource they are stating. I'm not sure it's financially viable."

Coun Adrian Davis-Johnston said: "It's one of those where you can see why they want to put wind turbines in West Cumbria, because it's very windy.

"But it's not that sunny here and I can't make a judgement on the benefit against the impact, based on evidence provided by the applicant who clearly wants a solar farm there.

"If I want to sleep well at night, I want to have that independent evidence.

"I don't have any confidence in the evidence that's put in front of us because it's all one-sided."

Coun Carole Armstrong moved for approval of the plans. She visited a site at Westnewton where a planning application for a solar park had been made, and returned after the solar park was built. 

She said she found it fascinating.

After an hour's debate, councillors voted.

The 14-hectare site will include two low buildings, fencing and infrared CCTV cameras could be installed around the solar farm.

The site will be decommissioned after 30 years.