Photon Energy Australia has secured approval from New South Wales Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for its proposed A$200m ($141m) Gunnedah Solar Farm.

The solar farm will have a capacity of 150MW and be developed with Gunnedah Solar Farm Ltd.

Approval comes after months of debate, including public objections and community meetings against the solar farm.

A state significant development (SSD) application was submitted to the Department of Planning & Environment in regards to the solar farm.

As the department received more than 25 public objections for issues such as the potential flood risks, land-use compatibility and local property prices the matter was sent to the commission for determination.

“Approval comes after months of debate, including public objections and community meetings against the solar farm.”

A three-member panel was created to review the application for making a final decision, it also worked to better understand the proposed project by visiting the site and surrounding areas.

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After careful consideration, the Commission approved the application, subject to conditions.

In its statement explaining the decision, the Commission found that the project’s modelled flood impacts would comply with the assessment criteria under the Gunnedah Local Environment Plan 2012.

Furthermore, it found that the Gunnedah Solar Farm project will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

The Commission also said that the heavy vehicle route could safely accommodate traffic movements associated with the project, and has amended the conditions of consent to ensure that local roads would be upgraded.