The site of a proposed solar farm near Romsey has been shifted to protect newts but naturalists are still concerned the plan may endanger protected wildlife.

Wiltshire-based Solstice Re-newables revised their plans for a 32,000 panel “medium sized solar farm” after protected Great Crested Newts were found on the field they had hoped to use.

Now they hope to transform a nearby 10-hectare (25-acre) site at Warren Farm in Highwood Lane, between North Baddesley, Ampfield, Crampmoor and Halterworth, currently used for growing maize.

Baddesley Common, an internationally recognised haven for wildlife, lies on the eastern edge of the proposed development.

Senior Planning Ecologist with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Trevor Codlin, said: “The Warren Farm proposals are for land right next door to our Emer Bog/Baddesley nature reserve, which has international recognition for the special habitat and species it supports.

“Property boundaries don’t mean anything to wildlife. Many of the species on our nature reserve – including birds like skylarks, and reptiles and amphibians like adders and great crested newts – live in and use the surrounding land too. There is real potential for inappropriate development on Warren Farm to harm the wildlife living in the area and on our reserve.

“We remain concerned about the application, and await more information.”

He said the trust supported renewable energy schemes but wind and and solar farms had to be in the right place.

The proposed site is three-quarters of the size of the original and would generate six mega watt peak (MWp), enough electricity to supply 1,800 average homes, say Solstice.

The firm estimate it would save 2,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year if it gets the green light.

The site, which will be concealed by hedges, will continue to be used for agriculture, say the firm – a wildflower meadow would be planted between the panels, which stand 2.5m high, and sheep could graze there during the winter.

They have also pledged to set up a community benefit fund, which will see an estimated £6,000 go to causes in the area annually for the farm’s 25-year lifespan.

Solstice director Giovanni Maruca said: “Boosting biodiversity is a key priority for Solstice Renewables and we will be developing an ecological plan tailored to the site, sowing native grasses and wildflowers around the panels to encourage more wildlife and help stem the decline in pollinators like bees and butterflies.

“As well as transforming the site into a wildlife haven, we will maintain the land with sheep grazing so that it continues to be used for food production as well as generating renewable electricity.

“We’re looking forward to meeting people from the local community and welcome their suggestions for how the scheme could be improved.”

The plans will go on show to the public on March 2 at the Sports Pavilion, Sandy Lane, North Baddesley from 4.30pm-8pm.

A planning application is likely to go to Test Valley Borough Council in the spring.