Thurrock Council refused tonight to give the green light to a 75,000 panel solar farm in Tilbury.

Councillors all voted to defer their decision until they could see more flood risk reports.

BE Renewables Ltd want to build a solar farm on land on either side of St Chad’s Road, near Marshfoot Road and the Gateway Academy.

The proposed solar farm would be 74,900 panels over 46 hectares - and create enough electricity for 2,391 homes to export to the national grid.

It was reported at tonight's planning meeting that BE Renewables Ltd are in disagreement with the Environment Agency over possible flood risk.

Thurrock Council Development Manager Matthew Gallagher said the council had had 12 letters and emails in support of the application.

However, he added, they were recommending rejecting the application due to its impact on the flat character of the marshland.

Councillors said they would not be able to make a decision without being able to see the flood risk reports in more depth.