A CONTROVERSIAL solar farm on a historic estate near Romsey has been recommended for refusal by planning officers.

Energy Company Solarcentury want to create the facility on farmland on the Broadlands Estate.

The company say that the 88 acre facility will have 57,000 panels which would provide enough energy to power more than 4,400 homes.

However, Test Valley Borough Council planning officers have recommended the plans for refusal.

Earlier in the year the plan for Grove Solar Farm – on two parcels of land to the north and south of Lee Drove stretching from Lee Lane in the west, to the A3057 in the east – went on display at Woodley Village Hall, and was met with mixed feelings by residents.

Sixteen residents and Romsey Extra Parish Council have since given their support to the proposal on land, while just two residents objected to the plans.

Planning officers say the refusal is because the size and scale would have an unacceptable impact upon the landscape.

The officers’ report states that not enough information has been submitted by Solarcentury concerning the economic benefits to Broadlands Estate of using good quality agricultural land for solar panels.

The plans will be decided at Test Valley Borough Council’s Southern Area Planning Committee on December 9.