A ‘HUGE’ solar farm will be constructed on farmland near Andover after councillors gave plans for a more than 75-hectare project the green light.

Low Carbon UK Solar Investment Company proposed the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic farm at land south-east of Perham Down. 

It means that, on the road between East Cholderton and Tidworth, approximately 75.53 hectares of grade three, “good quality”, fields will soon be covered in solar panels.

However, for its 40-year life, the farm will produce enough power for around 16,500 homes.

Members of Test Valley Borough Council’s northern area planning committee previously postponed making a decision on the application, after concerns were raised.

READ MORE: Decision on ‘huge’ Perham Down solar farm delayed

Cllr Phil Lashbrooke said the “huge” site should not be allowed, adding: “The project is far too large and will have a devastating impact on the local landscape and wildlife.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Tony Burley pointed out that the energy would not be used directly to power homes in Test Valley, adding: “I am all for renewable energy but we already generate more than enough for the borough.”

Following a visit to the site on Wednesday, July 13, members reconvened on July 14 to make a decision.

Representing the applicant, James Hartley-Bond said he hoped councillors had “found the site visit useful”, and added that the project was welcomed by the small-size farm owners who would be able to earn a good amount of money for sacrificing some of their land. He added that a community benefit deed has also now been sent to the local parish council.

Cllr Lashbrooke remained concerned about the loss of arable land. He said: “This is lush farm landscape. This is not a brownfield site, and there can be no moral justification in taking it away.”

He said the amount of energy produced would be “in the grand scheme of things, pretty negligible”, adding: “I know these farmers and they are hardworking honourable people. I am not trying to deny them an honest income that in theory would derive from this. I am thinking ahead to our grandchildren, and even their children.”

Cllr David Coole agreed, and also said the loss of heritage in favour of urbanisation is dangerous, adding: “We get rid of these views at our peril.”

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However, their colleagues failed to find any material planning reason to refuse the plans. 

Cllr Borg-Neale said: “I don’t like it. It’s a beautiful piece of countryside. However, it checks all the planning points that we are allowed to consider.”

The plans were approved, with seven votes in favour and three against. Members also agreed to give officers delegated powers to agree a construction hours limit on the access road closest to neighbouring properties.

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