FURTHER to C Somers-Cocks letter (August 29) planning permission was requested on 4 September for the Dipden Bottom solar park (14/02110/FULLN),and to date there are no planning application signs in the area, and no written notice given to local residents as required.

It was only thanks to the Advertiser that I noticed the application and presumably there are only nine days of the statutory 21 days left to object.

This is a disgraceful attempt to get planning approved without the local population being aware of the threat to our beautiful countryside and the area is already blighted by the Westover and Saxley solar parks, both in close proximity.

The rejection of the huge solar park at Broughton and the reasons for its rejection should set a precedent for the Test Valley, which really is an area of outstanding beauty.

Solar parks allow developers access to unspoilt areas of countryside under the pretext of saving the world and offer no community benefits whatsoever, with the only gain being made by the landowner, developer and their backers via the subsidies that make these schemes viable.

I support the use of solar power but cannot understand why it is not a precondition of all new building consent, which would avoid the ridiculous situation found at the old Andover airfield of a huge development with a solar park on prime agricultural land next to it!

S D Turner, Flint Farm Cottage, Goodworth Clatford